The Sisters Who Fixed Plastic Bags | Anti-Plastic Sisters From Bali | Plastic Problems

Summary

Milatti and Isabel, two young sisters from Bali, Indonesia, embarked on a mission to combat plastic pollution. At ages 12 and 10, they were inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful protests and initiated a food strike to raise awareness against plastic bags. Their efforts led to meetings with the governor, resulting in a ban on plastic bags in Bali in 2019. Their story exemplifies the power of youth activism, demonstrating that young people can lead significant environmental changes.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Greta Thunberg is known for changing the world, but there are other young activists making significant impacts, such as the sisters from Bali.
• 🏝️ Milati and Isabel, from Bali, Indonesia, are young activists who have made it their mission to combat plastic pollution.
• 👭 At the ages of 12 and 10, respectively, they took radical action against plastic bags, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's peaceful protests.
• 🚫 They stopped using plastic bags and even refused food at school to protest the use of plastic, highlighting the severity of the issue.
• 🌱 Their activism included plastic cleanups, raising awareness online and offline, and inspiring their peers to join the cause.
• 🤝 Their efforts caught the attention of the governor of Bali, leading to a meeting where they convinced him to take action.
• 🏆 In 2019, their advocacy led to a change in law, making Bali a plastic bag-free island, demonstrating the power of youth activism.
• 📚 They emphasize the importance of fighting for what you believe in and encourage others to find their passion and speak from the heart.
• 🍽️ Bali's restaurants have largely transitioned to using paper bags, saving millions of plastic bags from entering the oceans.
• 🌱 The sisters believe that young people are not just the future but also the present, capable of leading with examples and making a difference.

Q & A

Who are Milatti and Isabel?

Milatti and Isabel are two young sisters from Bali, Indonesia, who have taken significant steps to combat plastic pollution on their island.

What did Milatti and Isabel observe about plastic that motivated them to take action?

Milatti and Isabel observed that plastic bags can cause significant environmental problems, as they take only a minute to use but persist in the environment for up to 500 years without decomposing.

What actions did Milatti and Isabel take to protest the use of plastic bags?

Milatti and Isabel stopped using plastic bags, stopped eating food at school, went on a food strike in 2014 to protest plastic bags, participated in plastic cleanups, and raised awareness about plastic pollution both online and offline.

Who inspired Milatti and Isabel to go on a food strike?

Mahatma Gandhi inspired Milatti and Isabel with his peaceful food strikes, which he used as a form of protest.

How did their actions lead to a change in Bali's plastic policy?

Their actions caught the attention of the governor of Bali, who met with them and was convinced by their arguments. This eventually led to the ban of plastic bags in Bali in 2019.

What was the outcome of the sisters' efforts in terms of environmental impact?

As a result of their efforts, Bali became plastic bag-free, and millions of plastic bags were saved from entering the oceans.

What message do Milatti and Isabel want to convey to the world about young people?

Milatti and Isabel want to convey that young people are not just an inspiration but can also lead by example, and they have the talent, potential, and bright ideas to bring about positive change.

How did the sisters' actions influence the local businesses in Bali?

Local businesses in Bali, particularly restaurants, switched to using paper bags instead of plastic, contributing to the reduction of plastic waste.

What advice do Milatti and Isabel give to others who want to make a difference?

Milatti and Isabel advise finding something you are passionate about, connecting with it, and then speaking from the heart to fight for what you believe in.

What is the significance of the phrase 'young people are 25% of the planet but 100% of the future'?

The phrase emphasizes that while young people make up a significant portion of the population, they are the entirety of the future and thus have a crucial role in shaping it.

What is the name of the series that tells the story of Milatti and Isabel?

The series that tells the story of Milatti and Isabel is called 'Planet Warriors'.