Trash in Bali

BALI, INDONESIA – This fantastic video sponsored by the Danish Embassy Jakarta highlights the problem of trash in Bali.

Bali, an island that relies on tourism for its economy and job market, is facing a monumental trash crisis. According to the video, almost everyday there are reports of marine life washed ashore with a belly full of trash. One Island One Voice, Bali’s campaign to clean up its beaches, finds trash absolutely everywhere. Most of the trash volunteers came across is non biodegradable plastic, often just tossed from pedestrians or from vehicles.

One Island One Voice suggests that lack of education is the greatest challenge. The video says that decades ago trash was made from biodegradable materials like banana leaves and coconuts, and now plastic has replaced the natural materials. Local people don’t know that their trash doesn’t decompose anymore, and so their habits haven’t changed.

Many organizations, like Trash Hero and Bye Bye Plastic Bags are answering the call to action. The Zero Waste to Ocean Initiative is intent on education children and businesses on the dangers of waste, and ways to enact change now.

Be a trash hero: reduce your plastic trash, say no to plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic straws, and start using eco-friendly options!