Gentle reminders: tips for the high season

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Each season Tulum changes. More and more people want a slice of paradise. Construction and party tourism is booming. In the festival months December and January, masses arrive to celebrate in this magnificent environment. A little party never hurt nobody, they say. Well, only when they are aware of the fragile ecosystem their raves are held on. Thus, Rachel Appel – the inspiring director of the documentary “The Dark Side of Tulum” – thankfully wrote ten reminders for conscious travelers coming to Tulum. Important to follow not only in party high season, but during the whole year. Please read, act accordingly, download here and share them with your friends.

1

Tulum is sacred, please have respect. You are in one of the most unique places on earth and we are all responsible for its protection.

– Rachel Appel, ladyrey.com

2

If you purchase from a dealer, you are more than likely supporting one of the most deadly drug wars in the world – attracting more and more violence to the area. There have been countless murders and deadly accidents involving travelers in Tulum as various gangs continue to fight over the turf. This is reality. The high drug use by party tourists in Tulum has become so apparent that there have even been traces of cocaine found in the cenotes and on the coral reefs. Please try to find holistic homegrown alternatives 🌿🍄


3

Most of your garbage ends up in a landfill in the middle of the jungle – please be mindful of what you consume.

  • Shop at Co.ConAmor in the town for zero waste alternatives. 

  • ByeBye Plastic is working hard to help eliminating single-use plastics from events.

  • Proyecto Refill supplies water stations and there are already several throughout the area – don’t forget your canteens! 

  • Tulum Recycles provides a pick up service for recyclables, but you have to sign up.

  • Use the volunteer run recycling stations Puntos Limpios all over town.


4

Be conscious of where you spend your money. Think of your act of purchase as filling out a voting paper – what you choose, you approve. Tulum is in this environmental situation because of greed and lack of integrity. Mexico has environmental protection laws, but very few choose to abide by them.


5

Raves in the middle of the jungle, on the beach or in the Sian Ka’an biosphere put unnecessary pressure on the environment and are not aligned with nature. We are disturbing precious and unique wildlife and chasing them out of their homes 🐆 Animals often become disorientated and head towards the highway after 24 hours of roaring house music. Every year jaguars, pumas and other critically endangered species are killed by vehicles in the area – which is unusual because they mostly stay clear of human activity. As much as we’d like for animals to enjoy music events with us, they don’t. Please do not be blinded by the lights. Be aware that many festival organizers are greenwashing  (the term is explained here) their events! There are venues and places along the beach road and in town that are suitable to handle parties – as long as they do not exceed capacity. Disturbance to wildlife is also minimized in developed areas as most animals have already left.

6

Please do not leave Tulum without visiting the market Woolis Tulum – they have an amazing selection of LOCAL GROWN produce and homemade products. Woolis’ owner, Mauricio, also has initiated a compost system for businesses and local drop offs called Woolis Solutions. He truly cares about the well-being of Tulum and needs our support. We can all learn from him.


7

Get in touch with #Makers. Follow them on social media. They often organize beach clean-ups – participate or start your own one! But please remember, the pueblo needs just as much cleaning as the coast. Most of the plastic we pick up on the beach does not come from Mexico. It comes from other places around the world. Look up Alejandro Duran’s work “Washed Up”. The trash on Tulum’s streets comes from all of us and it is our shared responsibility to clean it up. Sendero Verde also provides community gardens and services for those looking to get involved.


8

Remember, you are standing on top of the world’s largest, fresh water, underground river system. It is comparable to the Amazon Rainforest and Mount Everest. Anything we pour onto the surface of the ground seeps through the porous limestone and into the water table, eventually making its way out to sea. Because of inadequate infrastructure and mismanagement of sewage, there have been several bacterial outbreaks from the water – just from showering or swimming alone. Don’t use tap water to rinse your mouth. Even for non-potable water, filter systems are highly advised. Catching rain water is also another alternative 💧


9

⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT USE SUNSCREEN. The Caribbean has lost 30% of its reef in just over a year to an illness called SCTLD (stony coral tissue loss disease) due to many reasons – one of them, because our sunscreen harms the coral. Best is to go into the water (no matter if sea, cenote, lagoon, lake or river) as pure as we can. Also make-up and other beauty products end up in the water from our bodies. Use long-sleeved swim shirts, light long-sleeved clothes, a shawl and a sun hat. Better stay in the shade anyway to protect your skin. If you can’t live without cream, Zinc Oxide is the only thing you should be using. Most biodegradable sunscreens are complete bulls***. Raw Elements sells a plastic free sunscreen that is reef safe. Check out the natural cosmetic store La Madre Tierra in Tulum town for eco-friendly products. Beyond Coral Foundation is working hard to help restore the reef – reach out to see how you can help. Also, please avoid glitter and adhesive gemstones as they are harmful to the environment, you shine without them!


10

Please do not spend time with anyone or anything that jeopardizes the well-being of your soul or the well-being of our great Mother Earth.
Always stay safe, grounded, and connected ✨