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Bali is an island widely known for its beautiful nature and beaches. Unfortunately, increasing tourist numbers doesn’t seem like an excellent environmental idea. Places like Kuta or Kedonganan have been flooded by plastic waste, such as plastic bottles and bags. This issue not only damages the environment but also the beauty of the island.
Bali is now putting much effort into recycling plastic to keep the island clean. Both locals and tourists are contributing to these recycling initiatives. Learn how Bali is addressing plastic waste and working towards a cleaner future.
Plastic Problems
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The main plastic problem in Bali is that there has been a significant increase in plastic waste in the past ten years due to poor waste management. This has led to beaches being littered with plastic, making them dirty and unattractive. During the rainy season, beaches such as Kuta or Seminyak are covered in plastic dirt carried by high tides, making them dirtier than ever.
Like anywhere else, Bali faces a plastic waste issue: The island generates 1.6 million tonnes of waste annually, with 303,000 tonnes being plastic. Over half of this waste remains uncollected, including 33,000 tonnes in Bali's waterways, as quoted from The Guardian.com (25/06/2024).
The Bali government has banned single-use plastics since 2018 to reduce plastic waste. However, the local Balinese, the government, and sometimes entrepreneurs work together to solve this plastic waste problem.
Recycling Plastic Waste in Bali? Why not!
Meet Ecollabo8, an eco lab venture established in Bali that works with the local Balinese to recycle plastic waste and create new products such as chairs and tables.
Ecollabo8 collaborates with The Body Shop to collect plastic waste from products returned by consumers and recycle it into new products ready for sale. They also remove plastic waste from rivers in Bali. Besides helping the environment, Ecollabo8 supports the Balinese economy by partnering with local communities.
The founder of Ecollabora8, Kevin Veigner, is passionate about helping the environment. The inspirational venture aims to create a positive ecological impact by recycling plastic waste as much as possible, raising awareness about the usage of plastic bags, creating sustainable employment, and helping improve the lives of those in need.
Ecollabo8's lab uses recycled plastic waste to create various items, including license plates, scooter bodies, chairs, tables, doors, and more.
