Every choice we make, from the meals we enjoy to the transportation we use, shapes our environment every day. Thankfully, more people, both in Ibiza and across the globe, are recognizing the critical need for intentional living and collective action to protect and sustain our island and planet.
In Ibiza, the non-profit organization IbizaPreservation leads the way in championing sustainability. Through impactful initiatives like Plastic Free Ibiza, Ibiza Produce, Ibiza Posidonia, the Marine Forum, and the Ibiza Sustainability Observatory, they work tirelessly to preserve the island's natural beauty and resources.
At Deessa Ibiza, we are proud to support these efforts while also striving to minimize our own carbon footprint and address local environmental challenges.
Visitors to Ibiza can also make a meaningful contribution by adopting eco-conscious habits during their stay. Simple actions like reducing energy consumption, choosing local and sustainable products, and practicing mindful living can collectively have a significant impact.
With this in mind, we invite you to explore our latest guide, designed to inspire eco-friendly practices and help you leave a positive mark on this breathtaking island. Together, we can protect Ibiza for future generations.
Choose Conscious and Local Businesses in Ibiza, Do's and Don'ts
Do Support Ibiza’s economy and environment by choosing to shop with local businesses that prioritize sustainability, eco-friendly practices, and fair trade principles. Look for companies that incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility into their ethos, ensuring ethical practices and positive community impact.
Additionally, businesses that provide proper employee protections, such as fair contracts, insurance, and adherence to tax obligations, contribute significantly to the well-being of the Ibizan community and the preservation of its natural resources. Your conscious choices can help foster a more sustainable and equitable island.
Promoting Environmental Stewardship in Ibiza
Tourism is the lifeblood of Ibiza’s economy, but the annual influx of visitors and luxury activities poses significant challenges to our island’s delicate ecosystem. By making mindful choices, we can all contribute to preserving Ibiza’s natural beauty and sustainability.
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Dispose of Cigarette Ends Responsibly: Avoid littering streets, forests, nature trails, and beaches. Not only does this minimize forest fire risk, but it also ensures our natural spaces remain pristine. If designated bins are scarce, particularly in rural areas, use heat-proof ashtray wallets available at tobacco stores for safe and convenient disposal.
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Respect Marine Life and Natural Habitats: Resist the urge to take souvenirs from the sea, such as Posidonia (seaweed), shells, or stones. When sailing or exploring the coast, leave plants, animals, and other natural elements undisturbed in their habitats to protect the island’s biodiversity. Always clean up after a beach visit, avoid throwing waste into the sea, and anchor boats in designated areas to protect Posidonia meadows.
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Opt for Sustainable Transportation: Walk or bike to nearby destinations to reduce carbon emissions while enjoying a healthier lifestyle. When driving is necessary, prioritize public transportation or carpooling to ease road congestion. Avoid high-pollution activities like jet-ski tours and quad biking to lessen environmental impact on the island.
By adopting these simple yet impactful practices, we can all play a part in ensuring Ibiza remains a vibrant and sustainable destination for generations to come.
Don't buy from clandestine beach vendors! Every summer, Ibiza’s beaches become a hotspot for unlicensed vendors selling counterfeit goods such as designer handbags, sunglasses, watches, and clothing. Often operating in well-coordinated groups, these vendors strategically target tourists, offering seemingly attractive deals on fake luxury items. However, the reality behind these sales reveals a darker truth: the involvement of organized crime networks that exploit workers, evade taxes, and undermine legitimate businesses.
Economic Impact
Counterfeit goods undermine Ibiza’s local economy by diverting money away from legitimate businesses that operate within the legal framework. Local shop owners, who pay taxes and adhere to regulations, find it increasingly difficult to compete with the rock-bottom prices of fake goods. This unfair competition erodes the island’s economic stability and threatens the livelihoods of hardworking business owners.
Exploitation of Vulnerable Individuals
Many of the individuals selling counterfeit goods on Ibiza’s beaches are victims themselves, often recruited by criminal networks under false pretenses. These workers are frequently subjected to exploitation, working long hours in poor conditions for little pay. Their involvement in these operations perpetuates cycles of poverty and dependency, further enriching the criminal organizations behind the trade.
Environmental Consequences
The counterfeit goods trade also leaves an environmental footprint. The production of fake items often involves substandard materials and unregulated processes that harm the environment. Moreover, the waste generated by these goods, from packaging to discarded items, contributes to pollution on Ibiza’s beaches, threatening the island’s delicate ecosystem.
Legal and Safety Concerns
Buying counterfeit goods may seem like a victimless act, but it is illegal and carries risks. Tourists caught purchasing or carrying fake items may face fines or legal action in some jurisdictions. Additionally, counterfeit products often lack the quality and safety standards of genuine items, posing risks to consumer health and safety.
