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Saving the Planet, One Pop-Up Market at a Time

From beautiful textiles to woven baskets to handmade pottery, it’s no secret that Lombok is recognized for its creative handicrafts. But now, thanks to the sustainability-focused, pop-up event known as Lombok Eco Flea Market (LEFM), Lombok is on track to become the leading “Eco-Craft” destination in Indonesia.

My Lombok Magazine recently talked with Lombok Eco Flea Market founder, Paula Huerta Andrés, and co-organizers, Danica Badovinac, Panca Adi Saputra and Elissa Gjertson, to learn about the LEFM vision and, most of all, about their goal to help Lombok become the most sustainable island in the archipelago.

What is the Lombok Eco Flea Market?

Paula: In 2019, the Lombok Eco Flea Market (LEFM) began as a 2-day, pop-up market in Kuta with a dozen or so ecofriendly product lines. Today, LEFM markets are held all over the island with over 35 vendors representing the best of Lombok’s sustainable and creative artisans, makers and farmers. With products ranging from recycled goods, organic textiles and items made from renewables like coconut, bamboo and rattan to fresh fruits and vegetables, local coffee, vegan foods, natural soaps and more, the LEFM goal is to promote Lombok makers who offer sustainable products that align with the Circular Economy.

We hear about that a lot lately – what exactly is the “Circular Economy”?

Panca: The “Circular Economy” is the simple concept of changing a product’s lifecycle and resource usage from “take, make, waste” to a renewable, “circular” process of “reuse, repair, recycle.” It’s just one of the six guiding principles that all LEFM participants adhere to – and a core component of our overall mission to create a more sustainable Lombok.

So, this is a movement that goes beyond just a market?

Elissa: Definitely. We see LEFM as a platform to help clean up our environment, to educate consumers on ways to recycle waste and to preserve traditional Lombok crafts that were always sustainable. Or, put another way, before single-use plastic arrived, Lombok had always been a “circular” island. People used banana leaves or bamboo for packaging. People created pottery from organic clay. People weaved fabrics and baskets from natural fibers. Now, even as tourism hasn’t yet reached the levels of other islands, we’re already starting to drown under mismanaged waste while traditional crafts are dwindling. Our movement is to create opportunities for sustainable makers to lead the way in changing the waste culture before it gets even more out of hand – and to celebrate the best of Lombok artistic creativity along the way.

What do you mean by “changing the waste culture?”

Paula: Both locals and expats alike have seen how tourism has literally changed the environment across Indonesia, and not always for the better. As the island of Lombok grows in popularity, we want to help create sustainable solutions so tourism is a benefit, instead of something that does irreparable harm to beaches, villages and land. LEFM vendors stand by this mission and are excited to have a community of other like-minded individuals who want to create the most sustainable “Eco-Craft” destination across all of Indonesia.

Lombok as the “Eco-Craft” island of Indonesia… what does this mean?

Danica: Java is known for its Batik fabrics, Bali for wood carvings, Sumba for Ikat. Over time, Lombok has created crafts made from sustainable materials like bamboo, coconut, rattan and clay. Organic farms have produced vegetables and coffee at the base of Mount Rinjani. And now, recycled artisans are creating innovative products from Senggigi to Selong Belanak. More and more, Lombok is leading the way with visionary makers who are eager to keep traditional crafts alive while dealing with new challenges like plastic waste. LEFM is the movement to help us all come together and create a travel destination that offers not only beautiful and artistic goods but one that is a model for sustainability.

What else will LEFM offer to make sustainability a reality?

Paula: This year, we are planning 10 pop-up markets across Lombok, each with a unique workshop and educational component that will help people learn how to make conscious choices to live a more sustainable life. These workshops will range from learning activities for kids to events where people can create their own sustainable crafts. In addition, we recently had a meeting with the Governor’s Office who loved the LEFM mission and sees the potential – we are hoping to get their continued support as well as the support of corporate sponsors to help us create even more local opportunities and experiences.

Sounds exciting. How can others join in the fun?

Danica: As a shopper, you can come to our markets and support LEFM makers by purchasing their products! As a vendor, you can sell your new or second-hand products as long as they qualify for our sustainability criteria: “Products are made from sustainably sourced, recycled or upcycled materials; Products are organic, using no GMOs, no harmful ingredients and no animal testing; Products support biodiversity and/or sustainable weed and disease management; Products use sustainable packaging and adhere to a sustainability mission.” Once approved, vendors pay an annual membership fee that, in addition to access to monthly markets, offers perks like promotion on our social channels and our new LEFM website, exclusive “Ecopreneurial” workshops to help vendors grow their businesses and even discounts at local markets to help with sustainable packaging alternatives and more.

Any last words of inspiration for people hoping to live a more sustainable life?

Elissa: Supporting local makers and local crafts, using refillable water bottles and reusable shopping bags, participating in clean-ups and inspiring others to refuse single-use plastic … these are just a few ways to start. And, of course, getting involved in efforts like LEFM – as a consumer, vendor or volunteer – is a great way to support a movement that can, literally, change our world for the better.

Website: www.lombokecofleamarket.com Instagram: @lombok.eco.flea.market Facebook: @lombokecofleamarket