Being eco-friendly shouldn’t just be about being politically correct. It needs to be practical too. Here in Bali, we are always finding more creative and effortless ways to go green. And if that involves cute stuff to wear or put in our house, then we’re all for it.
Here are some of the hippest products to show your sustainable side and be eco-friendly on the island right now:
1. Indosole Stylish Repurposed Motorbike-tire Footwear
Indosole is a company started by a group of surfing friends who sought to combine style and the growing problem of disused tires from the estimated two million motorbikes on Bali’s roads. Those tires that are usually stacked up with trash are instead broken down by Indosole to use as shoe soles (hence the name) and other accessories. The factory uses no animal products (the sandal straps use “vegan” suede) and no fuel-powered machinery (the shoes are 100% handcrafted). Workers are paid a living wage with benefits and no one works night shifts (utopian much?). Now that’s what we call a do-good fashion statement!
2. Biowear Eco-friendly Rain Poncho
With the rainy season settling in, we definitely need an over-sized poncho. Because, let’s face it, maneuvering a scooter with an umbrella in one hand is just too much of a safety hazard (though we have seen too many people doing that before). Instead of using the usual environmentally hazardous pure plastic materials, Biowear makes one out of bio-plastics, which are starches from crops such as corn, soy, and sunflowers. These are transformed to have similar characteristics of traditional plastic but are alternatively 100% eco-friendly because they are certified “biodegradable and compostable” under international standards. These crops are produced on non-genetically engineered farms too.
Okay, real talk, the “I-greenheart-Bali” design might be a bit tacky. But for an environmentally friendly way to keep yourself dry that is guaranteed not to melt, fall apart, or disintegrate after a few rainfalls (official shelf life is up to 1.5 years), we can live with it.
3. Yin Jewelry for the Soul
Eco-friendly is not just about conserving nature, but also about producing goods in a responsible way in the community. Yin jewelry does this by applying IFAT fair-trade principles, where artisans are given the freedom to work out of their own homes if they choose to do so, and according to their own schedule. This is so all artisans can meet family and spiritual needs within their homes and community, a very important part of Balinese culture. They also pay their artisans better than fair price per piece of jewelry, a price that is set by the artisan themselves. And the designs are just too pretty!
4. Saraswati Papers Stationery
Named after the Hindu goddess of the arts, beauty, knowledge, and poetry, their gorgeous collection of handcrafted papers are made from 100% post consumer recycled paper collected from schools, offices, hotels, and homes around Bali. Using a traditional process, it is then colored with natural dyes and textured with the addition of sustainable plant fibers such as bamboo and flower petals. No chemicals, bleaches, or other unsustainable practices are used in any part of the paper-making process. Their products range from recycled paper sheets to photo frames, journals, and even customized designs for corporate needs.
They also open their factory to group tours with a focus on trying to get young people to change the way they think about rubbish—how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Now there’s a fun family alternative to riding the elephants at Bali Safari.
5. Bambooku Linen Wear and More
You’ve probably heard of bamboo products like furniture and utensils. But bamboo towels? Or bamboo shirts? Who knew that bamboo could be transformed into soft and comfy linen-wear with anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic properties? Using bamboo as a viable and sustainable alternative to cotton, their bamboo towels claim to be three times more absorbent than standard cotton towels, and also available in compressed packs handy for traveling. Their other brand Takesumi even went a step further by utilizing bamboo charcoals to produce an array of personal care products and jewelries.
6. Upcycled Bottles by CV Peduli Bali
Ever wondered what happened to your empty Bintang and wine bottles? Thanks to this environmental organization, some get upcycled into beautiful vases, drinking glasses, bowls and plates. We particularly love the sleek carafes! Guess Bintang bottles can be classy after all.
7. Reclaimed Boat Furniture
Boats are made of stern stuff (pun fully intended), like hard woods such as ulin (ironwood), teak, and intaran (mahogany). And these reclaimed boat timbers get reincarnated as tables, chairs, cupboards, wall decorations, and much more. Applying principles of fair trade, arrangements were made with not only local fishermen in Bali, but also in Java, Sulawesi, and Kalimantan. When a fishing trawler has become too expensive to repair, it will be sold to one of the various furniture producing companies instead of being chopped down to use for cooking fuel as is commonly done. Local fishermen paint their boats in bright colours. Weather-beaten as they may have become, the splashes of colour give that unique contemporary look on a piece of furniture that tells a story and looks great in your house or villa.
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