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Bali Beach Cleanup: Volunteers Battle Record Plastic Waste in Major Environmental Crisis

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Massive Clean-Up Operation Removes 25 Tons of Plastic Waste from Bali Beach

Bali, Indonesia – In a remarkable display of community spirit, around 600 volunteers joined forces to address the dire issue of plastic pollution on one of Bali’s most popular beaches, Kedonganan. This collaborative clean-up effort, spurred by the alarming levels of marine debris that plague the Southeast Asian nation, took place amid ongoing concerns over the vast quantities of waste swept into the ocean during the monsoon season.

A Growing Environmental Concern

Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s largest contributors to plastic waste, with significant amounts of garbage entering the ocean from urban areas. The annual monsoon rains and winds often carry heaps of plastic waste from cities and rivers, depositing it along coastlines, particularly between November and March. During the recent clean-up on Kedonganan Beach, volunteers encountered a shocking scene of pollution: plastic cups, straws, disposable cutlery, and empty coffee sachets profusely intermixed with natural debris such as plant life and wood.

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Community Effort Yields Record Results

Despite the challenging rainy conditions on the morning of the clean-up, the dedicated volunteers, which included local residents, hospitality workers, and international tourists, managed to collect an astounding 25 tons of waste. They worked diligently, filling hundreds of large sacks with litter that had accumulated on the beach. This operation was highlighted by Gary Bencheghib, founder of the environmental NGO Sungai Watch, who described the situation as ‘the worst’ plastic waste pollution seen in Bali to date.

‘We have never seen plastics a meter thick in the sand,’ Bencheghib remarked. ‘In just six days of cleanup, we collected 25 tons, which is a record for us.’

Source of the Pollution

An audit conducted during the clean-up revealed that much of the plastic waste collected originated from other islands, particularly Java, Indonesia’s most populous island. This insight underscores the cross-border nature of the plastic pollution crisis facing Indonesia’s coastal environments.

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Volunteering: A Transformative Experience

Among the volunteers was Tatiana Komelova, a tourist from Russia, who expressed her shock at the extent of the pollution. Her eye-opening experience at Kedonganan Beach prompted her to reconsider her personal habits regarding plastic usage.

‘I knew the problem existed, but I didn’t know it was this bad,” she shared. “I use plastic products a lot in my life, and now I try to reduce it as much as possible.’

The Ongoing Challenge of Plastic Waste

The massive clean-up operation at Kedonganan Beach highlights the urgent need for collective action to combat plastic pollution in Bali and across Indonesia. Environmental organizations like Sungai Watch continue to push for awareness and sustainable practices to tackle this pressing issue, encouraging both locals and tourists to engage in efforts that protect Bali’s renowned natural beauty.

As the impacts of waste become increasingly visible, initiatives such as these not only serve to clean up current litter but also foster a communal understanding of the importance of reducing plastic usage and promoting environmental stewardship.

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