Our campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali | Melati and Isabel Wijsen

Summary

Melati and Isabel Wijsen, sisters from Bali, share their journey in combating plastic pollution through their campaign, 'Bye Bye Plastic Bags.' Faced with the reality of Bali generating 680 cubic meters of plastic waste daily, they took action inspired by their education at Green School. By forming a volunteer crew, organizing awareness initiatives, and even staging a hunger strike, they successfully engaged the local government to commit to a plastic bag-free Bali. Their story highlights the power of youth activism and the belief that children can create significant change in their communities.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Bali faces a significant environmental crisis with 680 cubic meters of plastic waste generated daily, highlighting the urgent need for action.
• 🛍️ Less than 5% of plastic bags in Bali are recycled, with most ending up in drains, rivers, and the ocean, contributing to pollution.
• 👩‍👧 Melati and Isabel Wijsen, sisters and students at Green School, started the 'Bye Bye Plastic Bags' initiative to combat plastic pollution in their community.
• 🤝 Their campaign emphasizes teamwork, as they formed a crew of like-minded children from various schools to amplify their efforts.
• 📜 The initiative includes an online and offline petition, educational presentations, and distributing eco-friendly alternatives like reusable bags.
• 🏛️ They successfully petitioned for support at the Bali airport, demonstrating the power of persistence and innovative thinking.
• 👥 The sisters learned the importance of having champions at all levels of society, from local leaders to international figures.
• 🌱 Their experiences have taught them about patience, leadership, and the significance of commitment in activism.
• 🚀 The girls highlight that young people can make impactful changes, as they began their campaign at ages 10 and 12 without a formal plan.
• 🌈 Their message inspires other youth to take action, emphasizing that while the journey may be challenging, it is ultimately rewarding.

Q & A

What is the primary environmental issue discussed in the transcript?

The primary issue is the significant amount of plastic waste generated in Bali, with specific emphasis on plastic bags and their detrimental impact on the environment.

What inspired Melati and Isabel Wijsen to start the 'Bye Bye Plastic Bags' campaign?

They were inspired by their education at Green School and their lessons about significant historical figures, leading them to want to make a difference in their community regarding plastic waste.

How much plastic garbage does Bali generate daily according to the transcript?

Bali generates approximately 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage each day.

What strategies did the Wijsen sisters employ in their campaign?

They utilized a multi-layered approach including online and offline petitions, educational presentations, awareness-raising at events, and the distribution of alternative bags.

What was one of the key lessons learned during their campaign?

One key lesson was the importance of teamwork and involving a large group of like-minded individuals to make a significant impact.

What was the response of the Bali airport to the Wijsen sisters' campaign?

After persistent efforts, the commercial manager of Bali airports allowed the sisters to collect signatures behind customs and immigration, which helped them gain support for their cause.

What role did celebrities play in the campaign?

Celebrities helped raise awareness and support for the campaign, with figures like Ban Ki Moon and Jane Goodall lending their influence to the cause.

What drastic measure did the Wijsen sisters take to get the attention of the governor of Bali?

They undertook a hunger strike, agreeing not to eat from sunrise to sunset until they could meet with the governor to discuss the issue of plastic bags.

What commitment did the governor of Bali make as a result of their efforts?

The governor promised to help make Bali plastic bag-free by 2018.

What message do the Wijsen sisters convey to other young people?

They encourage young people to take action and make a difference, emphasizing that even children can lead significant change in their communities.