Eco-friendly dining, sustainable tourism, and mindful eating habits are not only possible in Bali they are effortless when you understand the island’s natural rhythm. West Bali, in particular, remains closely guided by its land, sea, and traditional farming culture. After a decade of operating in Medewi, we’ve witnessed firsthand how small, intentional choices at every meal significantly reduce a traveller’s environmental footprint while elevating flavour, health, and overall experience.
What surprises many visitors is how accessible sustainable eating already is here. Bali has abundant local produce, thriving small farms, and a culinary heritage built on zero-waste traditions. Once you know what to prioritise and what to avoid, eco-friendly dining becomes both enjoyable and deeply meaningful.
Below are eight practical, proven steps for eating more sustainably in Bali, supported by real examples from West Bali’s slow, coastal lifestyle.
Choose restaurants that source locally and seasonally
Transportation is the largest contributor to food-related carbon emissions. An imported avocado from thousands of kilometres away can generate up to 7 kg of CO₂ per kilo, while a local Medewi avocado produces less than 0.2 kg. Seasonal ingredients also taste better and require fewer resources to grow.
Look for establishments that proudly display where their produce comes from many in West Bali openly share their partnerships with nearby farms. Local sourcing supports the community, protects the ecosystem, and ensures your meal is harvested at peak flavour.
Say no to single-use plastics
Bali generates more than 1.5 million plastic items daily, most of which end up burned or in waterways. Refusing plastic straws, forks, and containers makes a significant difference. Many cafés and warungs now offer banana-leaf packaging, reusable jars, or stainless-steel straws upon request.
A simple, polite “no plastic, please” goes a long way and it’s widely understood across the island.
Drink from reusable bottles or fresh coconuts
A single plastic water bottle takes centuries to decompose. One of the easiest eco-friendly habits in Bali is opting for fresh young coconuts. They are fully biodegradable, naturally electrolyte-rich, and require zero packaging.
Carry a reusable bottle and refill it at the many filtered-water stations found in cafés throughout Medewi, Pekutatan, and surrounding beach towns. It’s cheaper, cleaner, and infinitely more sustainable.
Eat more plant-based or plant-forward meals
Bali’s rich plant-based culinary heritage makes it easy to reduce consumption of resource-heavy animal products. Traditional dishes such as urap-urap, gado-gado, pepes tempeh, and vegetable-based curries are flavourful, nutritious, and naturally aligned with low-impact eating.
Even one plant-based day per week can reduce your food-related carbon footprint by up to 30%. With West Bali’s abundance of fresh fruits, greens, and herbs, plant-forward meals are often the most satisfying.
Support small, family-run farms and fishermen
Sustainable dining in Bali is inseparable from supporting local producers. Small farms in Pupuan, Antosari, and Medewi still use regenerative methods that maintain soil fertility and preserve biodiversity. Local fishermen practice line-catching methods that minimise ocean damage.
When you choose restaurants that rely heavily on local farmers and artisanal producers, your spending directly strengthens the community and preserves Bali’s food heritage.
Avoid imported ingredients
Imported products often require significant air freight, refrigeration, and packaging. Bali already offers exceptional alternatives:
- cashew milk instead of almond milk
- coconut yoghurt instead of dairy-based yoghurt
- dragon fruit and salak instead of foreign berries
- local cacao instead of imported chocolate
Choosing local substitutions reduces emissions while giving you a more authentic taste of Bali.
Ask for no straws, no styrofoam, and no plastic bags
This habit is simple but powerful. Bringing your own cutlery kit or food container can eliminate the need for disposables altogether. Most restaurants are happy to wrap takeaways in banana leaves or reusable packaging when requested.
Leave no trace pack out all waste when necessary
Some beaches and remote areas still lack proper waste disposal. When enjoying snacks or fruit from roadside stalls, keep any wrappers with you until you find a proper bin. This small act protects rivers, beaches, reefs, and local wildlife.
A Real Eco-Friendly Day of Eating in West Bali
Eco-friendly dining in Bali doesn’t feel like a restriction it feels like connection. It allows you to embrace nature, support local families, and enjoy fresher, cleaner, more flavourful meals. Every choice you make is a vote for the health of the island. And when you’re exploring West Bali, a gentle, sustainable dining experience is always within reach.
If your travels bring you toward Medewi, consider enjoying an eco-conscious meal on our ocean-facing deck where every dish highlights local ingredients, minimal waste practices, and support for nearby farmers and fishermen. A simple meal becomes part of a cleaner, greener Bali.
アボカドレストラン
Jl. Widuri Simpang Tiga, Medewi, Jembrana, Bali
+62 813 3854 6264
eat@avocadoresto.com