Written by Andréa Drottholm

The recent devastating floods that swept through Bali in September 2025 weren't just a tragic reminder of nature's power—they were a wake-up call about our collective responsibility. With 18 lives lost and officials reporting that rubbish clogged drainage systems, making the floods worse, the connection between environmental neglect and human tragedy has never been clearer.

At Ubuntu Bali Eco Yoga Retreat, we might not have the official stamp or certificate that comes with being a certified eco retreat—it's a costly process that a small business like ours simply cannot afford. But that doesn't stop us from taking meaningful action toward what we believe is a healthier way of running a retreat in Bali. We don't advertise it with big ECO letters or use it for greenwashing. We do it because it's simply the right thing to do.

A Swedish Mindset in a Balinese Setting

Having grown up in Sweden, I learned to appreciate and respect nature as a natural way of living. I never questioned it—it was simply how we were educated. I strongly believe this mindset can be adapted anywhere in the world, and I don't buy into comments like "it's simply not in their culture." They didn't have plastic in the old days; they used banana leaves for wrapping and could throw them into nature to decompose naturally.

Yet across Asia, it's common to see trash piled up on riverbanks or on village outskirts. Out of sight, out of mind—perhaps—but often not out of sight at all. It's hard to fathom that this doesn't bother locals, and I take a deep breath every time I see someone dumping something into nature.

As a foreigner who has called this beautiful island home for 15 years, I feel it's not my place to point fingers. I am a guest here and always will be. So instead, I do my part and educate my staff to follow suit, even when I sometimes wonder if they comply because they were told to, rather than truly understanding why.

Our Holistic Approach to Mindful Living

At Ubuntu, we've woven sustainability into every aspect of our operations, creating what we hope is a model for mindful, holistic living:

Water Conservation

Water scarcity is an unspoken crisis in Bali. Places like Uluwatunow have salt water infiltrating their wells. Our response includes changing sheets and towels only once a week, installing two dry toilets next to our yoga shalas (old school and functional, though not everyone's cup of tea), using thin towels instead of heavy pool towels, and removing bath plugs from all room bathtubs to encourage shower use only.

Energy Mindfulness

We encourage guests to turn off air conditioning when leaving rooms, installed fans in each room as alternatives, use automatic switches for garden lights, run pool pumps minimally, and unplug devices when not in use.

Waste Management with Purpose

Our garbage is collected in separate bins for paper, plastic/metal/glass, and organic waste. Our organic garden waste goes to Urban Compost, which returns it as soil nutrition. Food waste is collected by our friend Ketut, a true dog lover and Bali icon, who feeds it to his pigs. When sheets are beyond repair, along with textiles from our yoga clothing production partner Beatrix D, we upcycle them into cleaning rags, shopping bags, curtains, and tablecloths.

Homemade, Chemical-Free Products

Creating things myself brings me joy, so I've developed several products we use at Ubuntu. Our mosquito spray has earned rave reviews—many guests say it's the only natural mosquito spray that actually works for them. Our body wash and room cleaning soaps are made from soap nuts with locally-made essential oils, smelling amazing while being completely chemical-free.

Supporting Local and Organic

We serve organic, plant-based food that's locally sourced, provide filtered water to eliminate plastic bottles, gift guests Ubuntu fabric bags for shopping, donate old yoga mats to orphanages, and pass unwanted clothing and items to local charities.

The Ripple Effect of Small Actions

Yes, eco-friendly products cost more. Yes, it takes extra effort to educate staff and maintain these practices. But when I see the devastation that poor waste management can cause—literally contributing to floods that destroy homes and take lives—I know these small actions matter.

Every chemical-free soap we make, every plastic bottle we avoid, every piece of waste we properly sort is a small act of love for this island that has given us so much. We're not perfect, and we're not trying to win awards. We're simply trying to live in harmony with the nature that surrounds us.

Join Our Journey

If you're an eco-conscious yogi seeking an authentic retreat experience where sustainability isn't a marketing gimmick but a way of life, we invite you to experience Ubuntu Bali. Come practice yoga in our open-air shalas, breathe in our chemical-free spaces, and be part of a community that believes small actions can create meaningful change.

Together, we can show that caring for our environment isn't just about grand gestures—it's about the daily choices we make, the products we use, and the mindfulness we bring to every aspect of our lives.

Book your stay at Ubuntu Bali Eco Yoga Retreat and experience holistic living where every choice is made with love for our planet.