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1. Energy Sources
The world is running low on coal, gas and oil. These energy sources are non-renewable and negatively impact the environment with air pollutants, the potential for spills and intensive extraction processes. Because very few hotels run 100% from renewable sources, it’s more important to understand what sustainable energy operations resorts currently have in place and what future commitments have been made. To know, simply ask before booking.

What Bawah does:
Bawah heat all of their water via solar panels and are in process of expanding their solar power use in the future. By the end of 2021 they will have a floating solar farm to increase their solar power use.

2. Water

Whilst most hotels use local water sources, there are many filtration options available to remove chemicals and bacteria from the water. If the information is not available on the hotel’s website, ask during the reservation process. This feature from The Green Hotelier highlights more details that you can ask from your hotel.
What Bawah does:

They do not have a municipal water source, and you won’t find plastic bottles anywhere on their island. Instead, they rely on rainwater, groundwater and a desalination plant to produce
water for all of Bawah’s needs. Drinking water is desalinated using reverse osmosis and microfiltration, then given an additional filtration before being served as still or sparkling water in their restaurants and bars. They are also careful to use water efficiently and to protect the ocean from waste water.
3. Plastic
This is a major global issue right now. Many countries have started eliminating single-use plastic bags and straws, but this is only the beginning of the efforts that are needed. There is no longer any excuse with so many reuseable alternatives available. Here are some hotels making huge effort towards reduction in plastic.
What Bawah does:
Single-use plastic is banned on Bawah Reserve. Guests are given stainless steel water bottles when they arrive. In-room drinking water is provided in glass bottles, and guests can use reusable straws, if desired.
4. Environment:
Whether a hotel or resort advances or protects the local environment is a huge sign of its commitment to sustainability. Look out for or ask about environmental projects the hotel may be involved in. A great example are these hotels that have created their own rooftop bee gardens.
What Bawah does:
The Bawah owners fought to make Bawah and its neighbouring water a marine conservation reserve. The island was formerly used for dynamite fishing, which damaged the coral and depleted the area of local fish. The owners of Bawah have spent the last 5 years rehabilitating the local eco-system, including restoring the coral and fish supply, to return Bawah to the pristine condition you see today.
5. Community
It’s important to assess the impact of a hotel on the local community. If a resort has many sustainable operations in place but the community around it is negatively impacted, then the gross effect is negated. Some good examples of eco-resorts that give back to the local community can be found here.
What Bawah does:
In April 2018, the Anambas Foundation (AF) was founded to help protect the islands and elevate the welfare of its surrounding communities. AF started outreach and improvement programmes in the Anambas region that involve integrated waste management, organic farming and female empowerment, to name a few.
6. Guest Involvement
If you’re committed to supporting sustainable tourism, why not get involved yourself? Many hotels and resorts offer activities that enable you to contribute to their sustainability efforts.
What Bawah does:
Bawah encourages guests to get involved, whether by participating in beach clean-ups or conservation dives to plant coral trees, getting involved in our turtle egg and nest protection initiative or getting your hands dirty in the permaculture gardens.