DENPASAR, BALI – Before implementing the Garbage Encirclement initiative at Padang Galak Beach in East Denpasar on Saturday (23/9/2023), volunteers conducted a mini audit simulation at Mertasari Beach. They were trained in skills for sorting and auditing waste.
Subsequently, a sharing session was held with Andre Dananjaya from Kopernik, an NGO focused on environmental issues. In this session, participants watched a video about waste management and the hazards of ocean waste, highlighting that marine waste, whether intentionally discarded or not, is eventually consumed by marine life.
This marine life, in turn, is caught by fishermen and ends up on people’s dining plates, illustrating the potential ‘consumption’ of waste by everyone. Therefore, minimizing the use of plastic waste through environmentally friendly lifestyle changes, such as avoiding plastic products and irresponsible waste disposal, is essential.
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“This activity should not end here or with me. Major steps can begin with small, tangible actions,” stated Anggar Setiorini, a Super Volunteer of Dompet Dhuafa, after the waste audit.
“Many are still unaware of the dangers posed by plastic waste, particularly microplastics, to human health. I’ve gained many new insights here,” added Anggar.
Starting with Children
On Friday (22/9/2023), the team organized an educational session about waste management and its daily life risks for students at SDN 5 Kesiman, Kesiman Petilan, East Denpasar District, Denpasar, Bali. Dozens of children from grades 1 to 3 enjoyed various activities, including an inspirational story by Imelda Naomi about Luftan and the Trash Monster, based on her book.
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“Today, we welcomed guests from Dompet Dhuafa. It was very enjoyable to listen to stories, play traditional games, and have medical check-ups for the children,” said Ni Luh Putu Deyanti Dewi.
“We work with Bali Wastu Lestari, a waste bank in Denpasar. Each student is taught at school and at home to sort waste. Monthly, they bring their waste to school to be weighed, earning savings to be received at the end of the year,” continued Deya.
This initiative by DDV Bali, Dompet Dhuafa Bali, and DMC aims to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility and proper waste management from an early age. The hope is that as they grow, they will become agents or volunteers devoted to their environment, particularly in waste management.
“We aim to campaign for reducing single-use plastics and caring for the environment. Because we have only One Earth,” explained Arif Rahmadi Haryono, Chief Executive of DMC Dompet Dhuafa, during the Garbage Encirclement action.
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Let us all be mindful in our daily consumption, striving to minimize the use of plastic products. Such change can start with each individual, acknowledging that every act of kindness can lead to change. One Day, One Kindness. Because there is only One Earth.” (Dompet Dhuafa/DMC/AFP)