Top Tips for Ditching the Plastic on Nusa Lembongan

Plastic pollution is such a wide scale problem that for a long while it has felt like something we can only control at the consumer level. Use less plastic. Quit plastic. But big moves by organizations, businesses and government has felt far off. And so it can become quite deflating when you feel like you on your own cannot make an impact.

But good things are happening out there.. For the first time in a long while, logging onto the internet to research the plastic problem has brought some exciting news that finally feels like progress. From all around the corners of this Earth, more and more companies are realising the severity nature of plastic pollution this 21st century disaster and taking action. Phew.  

In the wake of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), huge commitments have been made. For example:

• The government of India has made an astonishing commitment to ban all single use plastics by 2022.

• The International Olympic Committee has pledged to address plastic pollution from around the world to #BeatPlasticPollution.

• In Australia, Queensland and Western Australia are banning plastic bags within the next months.

• In the UK, over 40 companies have pledged to cut plastic pollution by signing up to the UK Plastics Act.

It’s great to see some of the big players taking action.

Guide to doing Plastic-Free on Nusa Lembongan

Welcome to our home. We are a small island located to the South East of Bali in Indonesia. Whilst the island does not yet have the infrastructure to effectively deal with plastic management, the community is taking many steps to minimise our environmental impact. Here are our handy tips on how you can get involved in the #PlasticFreeJuly action, use less plastic when you’re visiting our island and beyond.

“Tidak Pippete”- the phrase you need to sip not suck. Lose the straw.

First of all, let's start with what could be one of the most useful phrases to learn in Bahasa Indonesia if you’re trying to reduce your plastic consumption. “Tidak Pippete” translates to ‘no straw ‘ and if you can get yourself in the habit of ordering your delicious, tropical island juice followed by ‘tidak pippete’, you are not only helping save marine animals but helping local businesses to transition out of plastic without additional costs.

Here at Blue Corner Bar, we no longer serve any plastic. It does take a good strategy to phase out plastic, as alternatives like paper straws are more expensive - but now we have paper straws, refill stations and glass water bottles...and staying that way!

Project Aware visited Blue Corner in May and were kind enough to present us with some reusable #padi4change metal straws. Now a handbag staple for those of us who do in fact like to “suck not sip” (yeah yeah we know the ice hurts your teeth but now no excuse!).

Get involved with Project Aware and their fight to reduce single use plastic

As divers, we are able to not only make every dive count by taking trash with us and out of harms way for sea life but also create a database to inform what is the current plastic situation in Indonesia by taking part in #diveagainstdebris to make change for the better. If you’re interested in participating, contact our office for more information about how you can get involved! No matter your dive level or experience, everyone can participate divers and non-divers alike!

Get your hands dirty with Trash Hero Lembongan

Every Sunday at 5pm, Jo, the legend from Blue Corner Mushroom Bay, organises beach clean ups around the island with Trash Hero. Whilst we know beach cleans certainly won’t fix the plastic issue, they are a great way to educate the public, collect data on plastics and keep our island clean! Also helps keep those glutes in shape ;)

If we say no to single use plastic,  how do we get clean drinking water?

If you’re going to stay on Lembongan for any length of time, most stores have 12L water drums you can buy and refill for 35 000 rupiah -  a much better option than buying individual plastic bottles. There are also refill stations at many shops and cafes if you know the places to go. In addition to our dive centre, Bali Eco Deli, Green Garden, Ginger and Jamu all have refill stations for between 2000-5000 rupiah, for both customers or non customers - so remember to bring your reusable water bottle! With more businesses setting up refill stations every week, keep your eyes peeled while you’re out exploring.The less plastic we can use on the island the better!

Yes we live the island life but I still need SHAMPOO !

Those pesky single use shampoos and conditioners aren't ideal for our sea life. Even our larger multi use ones aren't much better considering we still throw them out multiple times a year. BUT. NEVER FEAR. Yoga Bliss has a small shop (situated at the back of Green Garden Warung) with refillable shampoo dispensers. Here you can bring your old shampoo bottles and have them refilled. Handy AF. They also sell bamboo straws and toothbrushes so go grab yourself one of those to further reduce your consumption of single use plastic.

Slow down. Chill out. Don’t take out.

Lembongan is known for it’s laid back, chilled vibe,  which is one of the many reasons it is so popular.. So, when possible, sit down, relax and socialise during your meals - don’t order Take Out. Or if you must, try and bring your own lunch box!

And for the adventurous coffee lover

Please get yourself a keep cup!!!

#PlasticFree doesn’t have to be so hard. Even on a tropical island in Indonesia.

We hope these suggestions have been useful! Hit us up if you’ve got any additional ideas on how to reduce single-use plastic. We are always looking to expand our list to make #plasticfree life easier for everyone!

During Plastic Free July, have a think about what you can do that will help reduce plastic pollution! And remember, even if you find it difficult quit all single use plastic, the idea isn’t to stop plastic consumption overnight. The idea is to recognise the amount we use and start to make changes!