3 Ways You Can Help To Save The Oceans While Vacationing In Bali
Choosing to be nice to the Earth
With our oceans covering over 70 percent of the Earth, their existence is crucial to our survival. Around 97 percent of the planet’s water is in the ocean, and according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the sea retains 93 percent of the energy used to keep the world at a comfortable temperature. Many countries – and the tourism industry, in particular – are already witnessing the devastating effects of climate change and global warming. One good example is the famous diving hotspot Bali, which now finds its wildlife and tourism industry threatened by the 130,000 tons of plastic and solid waste it produces each day. Therefore, it is not only desirable but also imperative that we make a conscious effort to protect the ocean and ensure its longevity.
Opt For Sustainable Seafood In Your Dining Choices
Bali is known for its coastal cuisine and abundant fresh seafood. With villages like Jimbaran regularly hosting seafood markets where locals and tourists alike can buy fresh fish and shellfish, and a wide variety of seafood restaurants in Bali, it is bound to be a significant feature of your trip. However, you can also do your part in protecting the ocean by choosing sustainable fish and seafood on your travels. Before heading off on your adventure, why not make a note of sustainable seafood choices before heading to dine out? You can also request substitutions or swaps for dishes from the chefs at the restaurants, or alternatively, opt for a restaurant with a sustainable and zero waste policy. As eco-tourism and sustainability become more mainstream, more environmentally friendly seafood restaurants are springing up all across Bali – like in the village of Canggu.
Dive And Advocate At The Same Time
Bali is also well known for its world-class diving sites like Amed Beach and Nusa Penida. Diving is also a great way to witness the beauty of our oceans first hand. One good way to help protect the ocean while enjoying recreational activities like diving is to volunteer for marine conservation roles like debris activists. Tourists can also get involved in beach clean up activities like Artotel Beach Club’s Beach Clean-Up Event for National Environment Day 2020. To spot upcoming events, check out local Facebook pages or conservation forums.
Go Plastic-Free On Your Trip
Single-use plastic accounts for 50 percent of plastic produced each year, according to an estimate by Plastic Oceans. Eliminating your use of single-use plastic is also one of the best ways to fight marine contamination. As a tourist, you can commit to having a plastic-free trip to Bali. Opt for reusable cutlery and packaging when traveling. When exploring the retail attractions in Bali, don’t forget to take along a reusable shopping bag. Lastly, take along a refillable water bottle instead of using single-use bottled water.
Document Your Trip And Share To Raise Awareness
What better way to play your part in saving the ocean than documenting your ocean adventures and then sharing with friends, family, and even on social media for the world to see? One in five travelers use social media to document their travels (27 percent) and vacation activities (22 percent). If you do scuba dive or free dive, video your experience and then create a video travel album. Speak about your experiences and any pollution you see during your trip, and share details about any cleanup initiatives you come across while traveling. Word of mouth is not just for marketing.
There are so many ways everyone can contribute to keeping the oceans clean and safe. Making simple, small changes like these during your trip to Bali can make a big difference – for both humanity and the marine world.
