GirlGI | Girl Gone International Issue 8 | Page 35

marine conservation initiative “Biowreck”
Pemuteran, Bali Indonesia

Consider the environment when you travel. The simple act of taking a
reusable water bottle, or reusing one you purchase on location can make a large
difference in the amount of plastic waste that goes into the environment. This is
especially true for those countries that do not have drinkable tap water and/or a
recycling program. Most homestays and hotels will be able to refill them for you.
When it comes to wildlife related activities, do your research. If the animals are
in captivity, only visit those places that do not cage or chain them and allow
contact with humans to happen naturally (if at all). When researching elephant
trekking in Thailand I quickly discovered how terrible the conditions are for the
elephants in the tourism industry. I know I couldn’t support that by participating.
I finally stumbled upon Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary near Sukhothai and
feel honored to have been able to spend some time there, taking leis