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

Bali: Island of Garbage

This section introduces the problem of plastic garbage in Bali and the impact it has on the island.

Plastic Pollution Crisis in Bali

• Bali generates 680 cubic meters of plastic garbage per day, equivalent to a 14-story building.

• Less than five percent of plastic bags in Bali are recycled.

• Plastic bags end up in drains, rivers, and eventually the ocean. Some are burned or littered.

Taking Action Against Plastic Bags

The Wijsen sisters share their journey of taking action against plastic bags and creating awareness about the issue.

Empowered by Education

• Attending Green School, the sisters were inspired to become leaders and make a difference.

• They wanted to be significant at a young age instead of waiting until they were grown up.

Launching "Bye Bye Plastic Bags"

• After brainstorming, they decided to focus on tackling the issue of plastic bags in Bali.

• Inspired by efforts in other places, they formed a team called "Bye Bye Plastic Bags."

• Their approach includes a signature petition, educational presentations, raising awareness at events, and distributing alternative bags made by local initiatives.

Making Progress and Overcoming Challenges

The Wijsen sisters discuss their progress in making villages plastic bag-free and their persistence in getting government support.

Pilot Village Success

• They focused on making customers aware and started with a pilot village that is two-thirds along the way to becoming plastic bag-free.

Government Support Challenges

• Initial attempts to get government support failed, so they aimed for one million signatures on a petition.

• They approached the commercial manager of Bali airports and obtained authorization to collect signatures there.

• In just an hour and a half at the airport, they gathered almost 1,000 signatures.

Conclusion

The Wijsen sisters have taken action against plastic bags in Bali through their organization "Bye Bye Plastic Bags." They have made progress in raising awareness, creating change at the community level, and gaining support from individuals and organizations. Their efforts highlight the importance of education, teamwork, persistence, and thinking outside the box in addressing environmental challenges.

Lesson number four: you need champions

This section emphasizes the importance of having champions at all levels of society and highlights the access to celebrities that Green School provides.

Importance of Champions

• Having champions at all levels of society is crucial.

• Access to celebrities through Green School has been beneficial.

Ban Ki Moon taught us that Secretary-Generals of the United Nations don't sign petitions

Ban Ki Moon's visit to Green School taught the students about the role of Secretary-Generals and their commitment to spreading awareness.

Ban Ki Moon's Lesson

• Secretary-Generals of the United Nations do not sign petitions, even if asked by kids.

• Ban Ki Moon promised to spread awareness and work closely with Green School.

Jane Goodall taught us the power of a people's network

Jane Goodall's lesson focused on building a network and inspiring others to take action.

Jane Goodall's Lesson

• Jane Goodall started with one Roots & Shoots group and now has 4,000 groups worldwide.

• She serves as an inspiration for the students at Green School.

Learning from Interactors

The students discuss their learnings from being part of Interactors, the youngest department of Rotary International.

Learnings from Interactors

• Interactors have learned about patience, dealing with frustrations, leadership, teamwork, friendship, Balinese culture, and commitment.

• Walking the talk can be challenging but rewarding.

Going on a hunger strike for change

The students share their experience going on a hunger strike in India to raise awareness about plastic bags in Bali.

Hunger Strike Experience

• The students visited Mahatma Gandhi's former house and learned about his hunger strikes.

• They decided to go on a hunger strike themselves to convince the governor of Bali to address the issue of plastic bags.

• The hunger strike gained attention, and they eventually met with the governor, who signed a promise to help Bali become plastic bag-free.

Campaigning against plastic bags

The students discuss their ongoing campaign against plastic bags in Bali.

Plastic Bag Campaign

• Efforts include promoting a plastic bag-free policy at the International Airport of Bali.

• Encouraging people to bring their own reusable bags and recognizing businesses that have declared themselves plastic bag-free zones.

• Using social media and other platforms to raise awareness and hold businesses accountable.

Kids can make a difference

The students emphasize that kids have the power to create change and encourage others to take action.

Kids as Agents of Change

• Despite being young, Isabel and Melati started their campaign without a business plan or fixed strategy.

• Kids have boundless energy, motivation, and the ability to make a difference.

• They urge all children to go for it and make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

The students highlight their achievements, learning experiences, and commitment to continue working towards their goals. They believe that children are not just the future but also active participants in shaping it.