Bali hotels go green

The Jakarta Post

DENPASAR: The Bali Hotels Association (BHA) has registered its 76 member hotels to take part in a community-led environmental campaign, Clean Up the World, joining 35 million volunteers in more than 120 countries that will take action to reduce the causes of climate change.

From national clean up campaigns to recycling and water reuse projects, volunteers across the globe conduct a variety of environmental projects throughout the year with activities culminating over the Clean Up the World Weekend, celebrated this year on Sept. 14-16.

"In Bali we will be organizing clean-up activities in many of our members' communities, beaches, rivers and scenic sites and attractions," said Urs Klee, the BHA's environmental committee chairman.

"With the support of Clean Up the World, we hope to bring together the tourism industry, banjar (traditional neighborhood associations), schools, tourists and local citizens to collect as much rubbish from their own communities in order for others to reconsider their waste management on the island of the gods."

He urged the local community to join and do their part to create a cleaner and safer world.

Clean Up the World Chairman and Founder, Ian Kiernan, AO, congratulated BHA for joining the global effort and on its plans to clean up their local environment.

In 2007, Clean Up the World is encouraging and supporting members to take action at a local level to help address climate change.

Energy conservation education programs, planting trees, walking to school or workplaces, and waste reduction projects are just a few of the possible options the members can choose from.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney, Australia, in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme.

For more information on Clean Up the World or Bali Hotels Association contact: urs_klee@discoverykartikaplaza.com.