I really feel too many people buy stupid amounts of plastic bottles, why not just have one, I have one 2 litre bottle and fill it up wherever I go.
Every year about 1.5 million tons of plastic go into manufacturing water bottles for the global market, using processes that release toxins into the atmosphere. That plastic requires up to 47 million gallons of oil per year to produce. And while the plastic used to bottle beverages is of high quality and in demand by recyclers, over 80 percent of plastic bottles are simply thrown away. Most bottles end up in landfills, adding to the landfill crisis.
It is always cheaper to get your bottle refilled than to buy a new one; there are always opportunities to get it refilled, even here in Laos, in restaurants, guesthouses and bars. The cost for a refill is usually 2,000 Kip for a litre, but often people will refill for free. Compare this to bottled water at 5000 kip or more. Just ask!
Alternatively buy a container with filter and pump, which means you would never have to buy water again, imagine how much you would save. (Sorry digressed a bit there.)
In Vang Vieng the eco/organic feel isn't too bad, some places do free refills, and a lot of the local proper Lao style restaurants give free water. There's also a bar called Fluid that has free water and refills.
In fact in Vang Vieng there are a number of volunteer programs, one at the organic farm where you can teach students English at the youth centre. You can also stay there and see how they grow all the organic veg and mulberry tea. There's also Yong-gus Farm, he has some really nice dorms made from mud, they're really clean, it's a nice place to relax and also learn vast amounts about the fruit and veg in Laos, how to live sustainably and also about recycling.
I went to volunteer at SAE Lao as well for a week or so. He has an organic farm and is also building a community centre for students to study English after school and working with the local villagers to try and improve the lives of those in the local area. I recently saw a new project where 'Fluid' was working with SAE LAO project on making jewelery, bags, hats, clothes etc from recyclable materials, a great idea.
If you want to volunteer in Vang Vieng then there's at least three opportunities.
There are so many caves, 2 or 3 waterfalls, lots of jungle trekking, great cycling tracks and loads of secluded places to swim.
If you're looking for some alternative bars I'd recommend Falcony or Jai Dee's in town. Out of town, Fluid is 4km north of town, it has some interesting artwork, and is a great place to chill for the day. Their bamboo hammocks on the rooftop are really comfy and there's lots of plants and garden space. The menu has some fresh foods, salads, fried veggie stuff and a good BBQ menu. The owners know a lot about the area too and are full of information about Vang Vieng. Alternative tunes also, chilled stuff and more electronic later in the day. Their website is very useful also.
http://www.vangvieng.biz
I'd definitely recommend checking it out before you go to Vang Vieng.
Make sure you visit Vang Vieng.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Garrett
"Hippie Paradise" Trent's photos around Vang Vieng, Lao Peoples Dem Rep (asia's hippy paradise)
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