Positively impacting local communities, the Mango Tiger family is committed to supporting on-going community development projects.
The Mango Tiger family is committed to supporting on-going community development projects within the regions we operate. For anyone who has ever travelled to Asia and experienced a night in a local home stay or a dinner at a local family home or visited a traditional village, you will know that was likely the highlight of your time in Asia. Partnering with local NGO’s and businesses, Mango Tiger works on reducing plastic waste not just through our supply chain but by contributing to plastic removal and recycling through Asia.
MANGO TIGER TRAVEL is excited to announce our partnership with TONTOTON, a leading provider of plastic impact initiatives in Southeast Asia. As a tour operator, we understand the impact that tourism can have on the environment, and we are committed to taking proactive steps to reduce our environmental footprint. Partnering with TONTOTON, we want to help create a solution for ‘orphan’ plastic, TONTOTON recycles, upcycles and co-process mismanaged plastic, supporting communities and environments.
BEING RESPONSIBLE
At Mango Tiger we believe that the travel industry and travellers in general have a responsibility to the world that we all live and travel in. The travel industry is now one of the largest in the world and with some common sense and a bit of effort we can all make a difference.
BUY LOCAL
Look to buy from local businesses, markets and shops as opposed to supermarket chains and shopping malls where possible.
FOLLOW THE MONEY
Think about the attractions you are visiting, where your money is going and to what it supports. There are some incredible attractions in Asia but also some very unethical ones and you don’t want your money supporting ongoing animal cruelty or environmental destruction.
BARTERING & HAGGLING
In many countries we operate in, it’s accepted and sometimes local culture to barter for the price of some goods. However don’t be too pushy and take it too far.
TIPPING
While tipping isn’t a common thing in Asia, it’s a decent thing to do. For small locally owned or independent business a little can make a big difference.
USING LOCAL COMPANIES
Mango Tiger often uses locally owned suppliers and suppliers who ensure that some % of profit goes towards supporting local communities. By supporting local companies we can hopefully create opportunities for them to grow their own businesses.
EDUCATION
Learn new things yourself as that’s what travelling is all about. Also educate other people you know and meet. If you find ways on how we can make a difference then share with those you know. Likewise if you see someone doing something damaging take the time to tell them.
ELEPHANT RIDING & ANIMAL WELFARE
Don’t ride elephants, it goes without saying. There are plenty of great Elephant sanctuaries that are committed to supporting Elephant welfare. Mango Tiger works with a number of them across Asia. If you want recommendations on what’s ethical and what’s not, please contact us. Regarding animal welfare in general, avoid any visits to the Tiger Temple or any ‘attraction’ that involves animals outside of their natural habitats.
ORPHANAGES & ORPHANAGE TOURISM
While there are no doubt some legitimate organizations out there removing the demand by not visiting them will reduce the supply. A better alternative is to support ethical restaurants or local businesses that provide teaching and training to underprivileged kids so that they can learn skills. Friends restaurant in Phnom Penh in Cambodia is a great example.
REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLES
Get your hands on a refillable water bottle. There are now plenty of refill stations and the number is growing. Think about your plastic consumption and how best to avoid it.
PLASTIC
Perhaps the biggest issue facing developing countries and Asia in particular. Needless to say never throw litter on the floor or in the ocean!! It’s not right for anyone to do in any circumstance. If you can’t find a bin, then hang on to it until you do. As travellers we all have a responsibility in this area. Often in Asia convenience stores (I’m looking at you seven/eleven and others) give way too much excess plastic packaging, plastic straws and other plastic that you don’t need. Try and avoid unless you really need it, it’s fine to hand them back their plastic.
