Tips On How To be A More Sustainable Traveler

Traveling allows us to see the world in a whole new light, as it’s an opportunity to escape from our everyday routines, and a chance to explore new places, meet interesting people, and learn about their cultures. No matter why we travel, there’s no denying that it’s a great way to broaden our horizons while experiencing unforgettable adventures. However, with so many people traveling these days, it is more important than ever for us to think about how our actions impact the environment.

Today we’re going to share some tips you can exercise to play your part in becoming sustainable travelers, so keep reading!

1. Ditch single-use items
Opt for reusables instead! Single-use plastics are a hazard to marine life and our planet. We need to be extra mindful, especially when traveling to countries with no recycling systems in place. So bring along your water bottle, toiletries, tote bags, and straws and when you can, say no to non-compostable plastic while shopping or eating out. One of the simplest things you can do is to bring your toothbrush. Plastic toothbrushes are one of the main culprits in the global pollution problem. Choosing to reuse an old one from home instead of getting new brushes every trip—which will end up in landfills after use— can help minimize pollution and protect our planet's resources for future generations!

2. Be mindful of your water usage
There’s only three percent of freshwater on Earth and we need to take care of it. It may be tempting to take a relaxing bath, especially when you've booked yourself into a luxurious resort and all their facilities are at your fingertips—but ask yourself, “Do I need this every day?” While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself to the fullest, we also need to be mindful of water wastage. Other ways you can help are by cutting down on your shower time and avoiding letting the water run when you’re brushing your teeth or choosing to reuse your hotel towel instead of letting it be replaced every day during the duration of your stay.
At Novus Jiva, we offer our guests the option to reuse their towels and linens during their stays. By placing a ‘ towel/linen reuse’ card on their bed, guests can positively contribute to our sustainability program!

3. Leave no trace behind
We believe some of you might have seen the infamous photo of Mount Semeru campsite strewn with litter left behind by campers. Unfortunately, such cases are not unique here in Indonesia, where littering is a major problem. Lack of awareness and poor waste management infrastructure is to blame, but we as travelers can do our part to minimize our carbon footprint!
Help preserve the surrounding environment and keep native flora out of harm’s way by disposing of your waste properly. When rubbish bins are not available, ensure that you hold onto any waste until you find one. Respect wildlife and only take photos and leave nothing but footprints behind. If you happen to be vacationing in beach areas, use reef-safe sunscreen to prevent damage to the ecosystem. If we don’t start taking care of nature now, who knows how long they’ll be around for us to enjoy their beauty?

4. Consider local tourism and short travel distances
Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world's carbon emissions, and flights and transportation are a major contribution to global tourism’s carbon footprint. We are not suggesting that you ought to avoid flying internationally at all, but do consider including local tourism in your travel plans as well. Indonesia is well known for its pristine beaches, tropical rainforests, and picturesque paddy fields, so don’t discount the unique experiences available closer to home. Seek hotels that have close affiliations with local guides, as they are the best ways to learn a new culture—while ensuring that your money goes directly to the local economy.

If you’re looking for an escapade close to Jakarta, we promise Novus Jiva will be worth your time. Located just two hours away on the beautiful coast of Anyer, our team works closely with locals and employs people in the area to ensure that your stay is not only enjoyable but also contributes towards making this community better for everyone involved!

We hope you’ve found these tips helpful and will start implementing them into your travel routine. It is important to remember that every little bit counts, so even if you can only do a couple of things on this list, it will make a major difference. And do let us know if you have any additional sustainable eco-friendly ideas you would like us to implement next, we’re always open to new suggestions. We can’t wait to have you here!

*Enjoy the best rate for your rooms, exclusive benefits, and in-house perks when you become a member of Novus Privilege – a loyalty program exclusively made for our esteemed guests.