Paradise Under Threat | The Battle Between Tourism And Waste

The world is drowning in plastic and our favourite tourist paradises are bearing the brunt. Destinations famous for their beaches and charming streets now risk losing their beauty. As the battle between tourism business and waste intensifies, we explore how these paradises are struggling and what we can do to help.

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Each year, we produce 400 million tonnes of plastic waste and use up to five trillion plastic bags. Tourist hotspots, often islands and small towns, are suffocating under the massive influx of visitors creating more trash and overwhelming waste systems. Unfortunately, with tourists comes litter, pollution, and a greater demand for local resources. On top of this, many of these destinations are already struggling with their infrastructure and simply cannot cope with the pressure. Illegal waste disposal, plastic washing on the beaches, and limited resources to manage the problem add to the strain. Tourists should be more aware of the pressures they are putting on their favourite destinations. Only then can we help ease the battle between tourism and waste.

Antoine Giret Plastic Beach — ©Antoine Giret Via Unsplash

SICILY, ITALY

The Italian island of Sicily is facing a severe waste management crisis. Visitors are greeted by piles of garbage as well as by historic charm. This problem grows in tourist hotspots like Syracuse and during the busy season. Too many people and not enough bins mean that plastic is commonplace on the island. Tourists can already see the impacts and it’s only becoming worse.

While the high number of visitors contributes to the problem, they aren’t the only ones to blame. The notorious Sicilian mafia also plays a role. Illegal dumping, often linked to mafia activities, worsens the situation. As a result, the island’s beauty is tarnished by trash, harming both the environment and its tourism industry.

BALI, INDONESIA

Bali is a gem among the Indonesian islands, standing out for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture. But with this reputation comes an influx of plastic pollution. Even though single-use plastics are banned and local volunteers clean the beaches daily, Bali’s waterways remain choked with trash. The island’s struggle is shared by the country, as they have some of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Popular tourist spots like Kuta and Legian beaches are really struggling with litter, both from visitors leaving it behind and trash washing up from the ocean. Too many people overwhelm the local systems leading to high levels of pollution that even organisations and volunteers can’t contain.

Overcrowded Beach Federico Giampieri — ©Federico Giampieri Via Unsplash

SANTORINI, GREECE

Santorini is famous for its sunsets and white-washed buildings. But beneath its beauty lies a grim reality. The island struggles with a failing waste infrastructure. Some have even labelled the tourist paradise “the island of garbage.” The water supply, sewage system, and waste management are all struggling, with the pressure of tourism only making it worse. Incineration is a common disposal method as the island tries to manage the waste, but it poses severe health risks. On top of this illegal dumping is commonplace on the island. For Santorini, the influx of tourists is both a blessing and a curse.

BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

In 2018, Boracay, one of the world’s best beaches, closed for six months thanks to severe environmental degradation. Waste pollution and improper sewage disposal turned the paradise into a disaster zone. The island produces up to 115 tonnes of trash daily, but its infrastructure can handle only a fraction of that. Corruption and mishandling of resources make the situation worse. But again, tourism plays a role. Overpopulation, driven by the lure of tourism dollars, strains the island’s resources further. Local businesses often dispose of waste incorrectly, adding to the chaos and tourists are known to litter on the streets.

VENICE, ITALY

Venice is famous for its canals, but these iconic streets have turned into the city’s dumping grounds. Plastic waste ends up in the canals directly, thanks to the wind or because of poorly handled trash. The picturesque streets and waterways are now home to plastics, threatening Venice’s charm. Italy and the EU are working to help this beautiful city with initiatives such as encouraging tourists to drink from the water fountains to cut down on plastic bottles. However, these efforts aren’t enough to solve the problem. Tourists need to pitch in and do their part to keep Venice a beautiful city.

Zoltan Tasi Beach Waste — ©Zoltan Tasi Via Unsplash

Tobias Tullius Overflowing Beach Bins — ©Tobias Tullius Via Unsplash

WHAT CAN WE DO?

These paradises are crying out for help, and tourists are largely to blame. As travellers, it is easy to make a difference and help these cities without sacrificing your holiday. Start by reducing your use of single-use plastics and carrying reusable bags, bottles, and containers. Show respect by following local guidelines for waste disposal and supporting businesses that practise sustainable waste management. Consider volunteering in local clean-up drives, as many organisations welcome the help of tourists. Educate others by spreading awareness about the impact of waste on these beautiful destinations. By making mindful choices, we can help preserve the beauty of these paradises for future generations.