Indonesia with its more than 17,000 islands and its diverse underwater world is a very sensitive ecosystem, which you should protect as a traveler. We have summarized a few tips for you, how you can travel more consciously in the land of a thousand islands.
Compensate flight
The distance to Indonesia alone makes a trip to the world's largest island nation not a popular destination for those interested in sustainability. To reduce the impact we have on the environment, TripLegend offsets the carbon footprint of its travelers and employees. TripLegend's carbon neutrality is achieved through an internationally certified offset project. As part of our collaboration with ClimatePartner we support a forest conservation project in Brazil that ensures that forests are preserved in the long term and the protection of forests is given a higher priority than their deforestation.
Also, if possible, instead of taking short vacations a few times a year, travel once a year for a few weeks. This way you can reduce CO2 emissions, save on airfare and gain a better understanding of the country you are visiting.
Green accommodation
It is important to support the right people with your money during your trip to Indonesia. You will probably leave most of your money in accommodation besides your flight. As a green traveler, it is best to choose a "green" accommodation as a place to stay, i.e. an accommodation that does everything to impact the environment as little as possible. The accommodation can do various things to contribute to the environment, such as eliminating plastic, offering water replenishment stations, composting organic waste, repairing things when they are broken, using sustainable laundries, and much more.
No-Go Plastic
Most of the trash that ends up in the ocean washes back up on Indonesia's beautiful beaches after a while. The leader in ocean pollution is China, with Indonesia in second place. Indonesian communities have little understanding of plastic waste and its impact on nature. They are inundated with imported goods from the West. Yet it is left up to them to decide how to dispose of disposable packaging, PET bottles and plastic bags sensibly.
As a traveler, you can make a statement and participate in an existing beach clean-up, for example. This way you can spend a few days on the beach doing something good and still meet great people. You can also create your own beach clean-up team with other travelers and friends. The only thing you need is a trash bag and a good mood.
When you're out and about, always have a cloth bag with you. So that you do not take plastic bags when shopping. On the subject of shopping, you should also not buy, small packaged shampoo tubes that contain only one to two servings. Even if you have more to carry, it is worth buying the larger package.
In Indonesia, straws are the real little culprits. For every coconut or Coke on the beach, a straw ends up in the sea. Many restaurants in Ubud, Canggu and Seminyak now offer straws made from recycled bamboo, metal or glass. Another fantastic invention is organic papaya straw. However, these alternatives are more expensive than plastic straws, so not every local restaurant offers them. That's why you have a choice: you can order any drink without a straw: "tanpa straw." But if you don't want to do without a small straw, just bring your own to Indonesia and still don't forget to say "Tanpa straw"! With your bottle, bag and straws, you'll be well equipped in Indonesia!
Local food
Indonesia is extremely rich in resources such as vegetables, fruits, cocoa, rice - all of which thrive in Indonesia. Try to include as many local products as possible in your daily meals and avoid imported dishes more often.
Spare electricity
In Indonesia, people spend most of their time outdoors. Great, that way you use a lot less electricity. Most of Indonesia's electricity is currently produced from coal. Unfortunately, very little solar power is provided. So don't use air conditioning, which makes you sick one way or another. If it's too hot, don't forget to turn off the air conditioner when you leave the room. The same goes for lights and fans. To avoid heat in the room, you can draw the curtains, for example. Fans use slightly less electricity than air conditioners, making them a better choice for you and the environment!