[Ubudian]

Keeping Bali green is an excellent topic to invite more dialogue. As you say Tom, together we can a lot more and we all share the responsibility for this just as much as the government and the Balinese.

Forever an optimist I began to think about this topic by reflecting on those changes I’ve seen for myself over the past 13 years living here. Some of these changes give hope and promise that the challenges facing all of us who call Bali home can be met so long as we remain resolved and committed to this endeavor.

Speaking of resolve and commitment, the first major move in this direction that I can think of is the refuse re-cycling plant in Gianyar which was the result of the fine efforts of Ubud Rotary, and in particular the endless dedication and procurement of very significant funds from the Swiss government by Mr. David Kuper. These days in many villages of Gianyar Regency, plastics, paper and metals are collected by trucks and brought to the plant for re-cycling. I’ve heard that in other regencies the so called, “Gianyar model” is either being implemented or at least is under consideration.

Those interested can read more about this project at this link:

http://www.rotaryubu...ste-project.htm

Another major development in the right direction, largely the result of World Bank funding after the first Bali bombing in 2002, was the installation of sidewalks and sewer piping to control the ravaging run offs of water during the rainy season. Anyone familiar with Ubud and its environs can recall that prior to this time the road ways in this area were lined with open ditches which would frequently overflow leaving behind huge piles of garbage and waste left behind from these frequent run off of rain. It was not unusual to see these unsightly and unsanitary deposits all over the streets of Ubud after a good downpour. Of course another great benefit from this is the safety issue by keeping folks off the sides of the road.

In my opinion, the Balinese are more than willing to adapt in order to preserve and improve their quality of life. In reality though, the Balinese, are already the ultimate re-cyclers. All one needs to do is to spend time in a compound to see this at work. Rather than plates, they use palm leaves and their fingers. This cuts down on water being used to clean dishes and utensils over and over. Food waste is often haute cuisine for their pigs, and while annoying and not good for the air quality, plastics, paper and other burnable items are often burned in a daily fire although this habit in our village has drastically reduced since the Gianyar re-cycling plant opened. Glass never seemed to be much of an issue as it gets re-used very often and this can be seen anywhere from 1 liter booze bottles being re-used to sell gasoline at warungs to old soda bottles being used for holy water in ceremonies.

At the risk of introducing controversy, it’s my opinion that the challenges facing Bali’s environmental issues are more the result of western influence and insurgence than an issue brought on by the Balinese themselves. Our “throw it away” and over indulgent western life styles has impacted Bali to a much greater degree than the Balinese have ever negatively impacted their environment. If “orang bule” had never stepped foot on Bali, these issues wouldn’t be an issue at all. With that in mind I can’t help but to think that environmental issues here in Bali are primarily the responsibility of what is mostly causing the problem, which is clearly our tourism industry.

I’ve occasionally kicked this discussion around with my brother in law who is a legislator in the provincial parliament. One idea we’ve discussed is that an environmental tax be added to the 11% tax already charged by hotels and restaurants. This tax would be used to fund a Provincial environmental protection agency to address these vital concerns. Given that Bali has broken its all time record of visitors, some 2 million in 2009, it’s doubtful that an additional 5% tax on hotel and restaurant bills would cause any measurable decline in tourism to Bali.

So this post is just to add some food for thought and possibly further discussion.

[De Tom]

I think we have alot to learn from the Gianyar regency where things are being done to counter the effects of modern living and the everyday use of plastic materials.

Not so sure who is to blame for the plastics. Again, i gaze westward towards the 160 million population island with industries who are producing all of those small plastic wrappers and bags used for everything from hygienic products to snacks. I'm not really sure who introduced 'plastic' to the Indonesian industry, could've been the Chinese industries? If we go back in time then sure.. the west is to blame for the use of plastics, but they would probably get here via Java, as they did, with or without any bule's here.

Funny that you mentioned glass bottles. I remember many years ago when i stepped into a family temple to find a really old Coca Cola bottle being used for, i believe it was, arak. Took some time to get used to this idea of using something so westernised, like a Coca Cola bottle, in a family temple where you devote your thoughts to your ancestors or gods.

Thank you for the Rotary link! I remember reading up on that project since it was done in cooperation with GUS Bali. The Office Manager at GUS is a part of my Balinese dad's family so we do exchange ideas from time to time.

Environmental tax, well.. what can i say. It is much needed!!

I remember riding through parts of Ubud just the other day saying how organized and clean it looked. It is the complete opposite from parts here in the south and i'm glad to see that the environmental problems CAN work out somewhere here in Bali. Gianyar has taken the first steps. Now lets hope the other regencies will be able to follow.

[Ubudian]

I just got back from lunch with a few Rotarians and we were kicking around the plastic issue. News to me, (being totally non technical) but a new process of turning plastic waste into a plastic sort of wood product has been developed.

While not desirable for furniture (although 40% of furniture in the US is made from plastics and their derivatives) and wood cabinets in the kitchen, I could easily see these as being used in lieu of the wood strips which constitute the spine of alang alang roofing tiles, as this material is of course impervious to infestation by bugs and just as strong as the wood normally used.

Modern technology has a lot to offer here in Bali, and as I always say, the Balinese are very opened minded. The “trick” is in how the idea is introduced and presented so it is ultimately embraced.

[De Tom]

Funny you should mention this. Just the other week i went to a place called "Little Tree' at Jl.Sunset where they sold a Biodegradable Plastic Additive that makes regular environmentally unfriendly plastics biodegradable. Only thing is i don't know how environmentally friendly the Biodegradable Plastic Additive is.