An eco-friendly vacation on Bonaire can make an impact.
While many people have made eco-friendly changes at home, it is sometimes forgotten that you can also make a difference while on vacation. The health of Bonaire’s nature and marine life has always been a top priority. With just a little planning and research, you can make sure your vacation on Bonaire is eco-friendly.
Enjoy Bonaire’s tap water.
While many people are told not to drink the local tap water while on vacation, that is not the case on Bonaire. Bonaire’s water is clean, safe, and tastes great! Bonaire’s tap water comes from the sea and is turned into refreshing drinking water. Next time you are on Bonaire, skip buying single-use plastic water bottles and bring your favorite reusable water bottle from home or purchase one here for a useful souvenir.
Choose your sunscreen wisely.
Bonaire has an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy during your vacation. With the year-round summer weather, you must protect your skin.
Sunscreen that contains oxybenzone as an active ingredient is harmful to coral reefs. Oxybenzone is known to harm coral larvae, exacerbates coral bleaching, and cause irreversible damage to the coral reef. Water pollution from sunscreens that contain harmful components is a global issue, but every little bit helps, so choose your sun protection wisely by reading the ingredients.
Protective clothing is also an option to shield you from the sun. Choose a long sleeve rash guard that contains a UV protection rating.
Leave no trace of your waste.
While on vacation, remember to dispose of your waste correctly. Too often, cigarette butts and bottle caps are found along our beaches. While it’s great to have a fun day at the beach, please remember to pick up after yourself. It is too easy for trash to be picked up by a wave or a plastic bag to be blown into the ocean.
Go one step further and join a clean-up event. Clean Coast Bonaire hosts clean-up events regularly to keep Bonaire’s marine litter at bay. If there isn’t a clean-up event while you are on Bonaire, take an hour and do it yourself. Invite friends you have made on vacation to join you. Every little bit helps!
Say no to plastic straws.
Plastic straws are one of the most prominent plastic offenders in the ocean. Thankfully, most businesses on Bonaire have switched to eco-friendly straws. If in doubt, ask before you receive your drink. If you are not a fan of paper straws, bring a reusable straw with you to enjoy your drink.
Treat your hotel stay like you are at home.
We all go on vacation to relax and be pampered, but you can easily have an eco-friendly vacation on Bonaire. You can accomplish this at your hotel or villa by using the do not disturb sign on the door. There is usually no need to have your room cleaned daily. Small steps, such as using the do not disturb sign, can help the environment by using less cleaning products and less energy for vacuuming. You can also hang up your towels to reuse them to conserve water. Another good tip is to turn off the lights and air conditioning. You wouldn’t leave them on at home, would you?
A few eco-friendly steps can encourage others to change their behaviors.
When traveling, remember to set an example for others. Just a few small changes can have a lasting impact on the environment. You may even make a few new friends along the way.
(Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter, image courtesy of Ellen Muller)
