How Are Melati and Isabel Wijsen Tackling Plastic Bags in Bali?

TL;DR

Melati and Isabel Wijsen are combating plastic pollution in Bali through their campaign 'Bye Bye Plastic Bags.' Their efforts have led to significant milestones, including securing a promise from the governor to make Bali plastic bag free by 2018. Key strategies include building community support, educational initiatives, and persistent campaigning at local institutions like the airport.

Transcript

Melati Wijsen: Bali -- island of gods. Isabel Wijsen: A green paradise. MW: Or ... a paradise lost. Bali: island of garbage. IW: In Bali, we generate 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage a day. That's about a 14-story building. And when it comes to plastic bags, less than five percent gets recycled. MW: We know that changes the image you may have of... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Bali generates 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage a day, with less than 5% of plastic bags being recycled.
• 🍃 The Wijsen sisters decided to take action by launching "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" to say no to plastic bags on their home island.
• 🏫 Green School in Bali teaches students to become leaders of today, providing a unique education experience.
• 📝 The "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaign includes a multi-layered approach, including a signature petition, educational presentations, and distribution of alternative bags made by local initiatives.
• 🏘️ The sisters have successfully made a village two-thirds of the way to becoming plastic bag free, but their attempts to get the government on board failed initially.
• ✈️ They persisted by gaining access to the Bali airport and collecting almost 1,000 signatures in their first hour and a half there.
• 👥 Champions at all levels of society, including students, commercial managers, and famous people, are crucial to making a difference.
• ️ Patience, dealing with frustrations, leadership, teamwork, and friendship are all valuable lessons the sisters have learned on their journey.

Questions & Answers

Q: How much plastic garbage does Bali generate every day?

In Bali, they generate 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage a day, which is about the height of a 14-story building.

Q: What percentage of plastic bags in Bali get recycled?

Less than five percent of plastic bags in Bali get recycled.

Q: What inspired the sisters to start the "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaign?

The sisters were inspired by efforts to say no to plastic bags in other places, such as Hawaii, Rwanda, and cities like Oakland and Dublin.

Q: What has been the focus of the "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaign?

The "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaign focuses on saying no to plastic bags on Bali and has implemented a multi-layered approach including petitioning, educational presentations, raising awareness, and distributing alternative bags made from organic materials.

Q: How did the sisters convince the Bali airport to allow them to collect signatures?

Through persistence and knocking on doors, the sisters eventually convinced the commercial manager of Bali airports to allow them to collect signatures behind customs and immigration.

Q: Who are some of the champions and supporters the sisters have gained during their campaign?

Some of the champions and supporters the sisters have gained include the United Nations, Jane Goodall, and the Rotary International's youngest department, Interactors.

Q: What was the outcome of the sisters' hunger strike?

The sisters' hunger strike was successful in getting the governor of Bali to meet with them and commit to helping Bali become plastic bag-free by 2018. Additionally, an airport supporter is planning to start a plastic bag-free policy by 2016.

Q: What message do the sisters have for other kids who want to make a difference?

The sisters encourage all kids to go for it and make a difference, emphasizing that although it may not be easy, it will be worth it. Kids have the energy and motivation to be the change the world needs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Bali generates 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage a day, with less than 5% of plastic bags being recycled.

• Two sisters started "Bye Bye Plastic Bags" campaign on their home island to combat plastic pollution.

• They have had successes including getting the governor of Bali to sign a promise to make the island plastic bag free by 2018.