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.

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.