PlastikDetox is a campaign that seeks to reward small businesses in Bali that are genuinely committed to reduce substantially their use of single use plastic

 

Why we exist

Despite a growing number of initiatives to reduce single-use plastic waste, the Indonesian island of Bali remains in the spotlight as a pollution hotspot, tarnishing its legendary image as the Island of the Gods. The scale of the problem is increasingly clear. Based on data collected by an initiative called the Bali Partnership, in 2019 the amount of waste generated in Bali was 4,281 tonnes/day, barely half of which was responsibly managed waste (e.g. only 8% was recycled and the rest was landfilled). More than half of the total waste burden is burnt or discarded in the environment. It is estimated that about 33,000 tonnes of plastic waste leaks from the island into the sea every year. 

In response to the plastic pollution crisis, a group of volunteers formed a campaign called PlastikDetox Bali in 2012, with the specific aim to help small and medium businesses phase out their use of single-use plastic (SUP). The justification for working exclusively on this segment was that existing organizations and grassroots movements at that time were focusing on upstream (policy, education) and downstream (beach clean-ups) factors. We saw a need and demand to work directly with small businesses.

In 2019, the Governor of Bali issued a regulation to ban SUP bags, plastic straws and styrofoam-based packaging in Bali. As of writing, this regulation -- along with a separate one for the city of Denpasar -- is the first significant policy move to prevent SUP waste in Bali. These regulations were catalytic for PlastikDetox, boosting our relevance for local businesses that were now expected to cut down on these materials. But despite growing public awareness and more tangible government commitments to reduce plastic waste, our challenges are greater than ever. Since the coronavirus outbreak, SUP use has spiked again as small businesses, especially in the F&B sector, try to retain their customers. In the meantime, the plastics industry is pushing back and introducing a raft of questionable “eco-friendly” plastic bag alternatives. And the ban is weakly implemented.

We believe that we can enable business practices that are in line with a circular economy in Bali and other regions in Indonesia by joining hands with other campaigns, traditional structures and the government. All we need is vision, commitment and collaboration.
 

Vision

Creating a living model of responsible plastic use.

In practice, this means that the amount of single-use plastics such as plastic bags, plastic straws, styrofoam are reduced through behaviour change approaches. In doing this, we promote first and foremost reduction, and substitution only where possible. We are also conscious that at this time, for some types of plastic there are no available alternatives. 

Approach

The most effective way to prevent plastic waste is by reducing the excessive use of plastic and suggesting reusable and affordable, environment-friendly alternatives. We need to involve stakeholders that produce waste – hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, warung, etc. – and make it as simple as possible for them to waste less. Achieving this requires us to involve them in generating and executing their ideas and pushing for supportive regulations. 

Small businesses are the beginning of a long chain that starts with business owners and links to staff and customers to build awareness, learn, transform it into a habit then communicate it to their kin and social network. From our experience, every business is different; therefore, we assist them in building the reduction strategy by analyzing their existing operations and habits, engaging them in continuous in-person and online communication, and encouraging them to start from our menu of most achievable reductions. 

The core strength of PlastikDetox is our volunteers. They have contributed to support our existence and mission since 2012. As of 2018, we have increased our volunteers by 300%. Through them and with them, we improve our knowledge and the campaign by working and supporting each other as a family where their own self-development is just as important as the growth of the campaign.

Impacts

• Empowering more than 200 small businesses in Bali, Bandung and Jakarta, with know-how on how to reduce single-use plastic;
• 18 businesses in 26 locations have joined PlastikDetox in Bali;
• Collaborating with 9 stakeholders (local government, local movement, national movement, state-owned enterprise, multinational companies and private sectors);
• Engaging 100+ volunteers and building a team of 15 trained core volunteers

 

Priorities for 2020

We have adapted our strategy for the next 2 years in light of the pandemic:

• Small business recruitment: We are trying to expand our network of member small businesses by creating incentives for them;
• Online training for small businesses on how to reduce single use plastics while maintaining safety and hygiene;
• Online course for PlastikDetox volunteers to increase their knowledge and enrich their awareness about the environment, volunteers’ world and non-profit organization;
• Marketing and promotion for members to stop the spread of COVID-19 and promote everyday protective measures.

PlastikDetox is committed to work with any party that shares our vision of creating a regional model in waste reduction. Waste prevention is the first and foremost priority in waste management, and it is often neglected. Reducing the amount of waste will lessen pressure on the other aspect of waste management: waste collection, recycling and final waste disposal. Changing people's mindset to refuse or reduce waste is key to tackle the waste problem from the source. It will give everyone a sense of responsibility and empowerment, and not only put the burden on the government.
 

Our team

Anna Sutanto | Co-founder

Environmental issues, especially waste, has increasingly come to Anna Sutanto’s attention when she worked in the field of public health and post-disaster trauma management in Yogyakarta, Central Java and West Borneo. Anna co-founded PlastikDetox Bali in 2012, with 3 likeminded people. Anna mainly focused in the development of the program and training of volunteers and staff of business members. Her activities with PDB provided her with the opportunity to study about Environmental Management and Development at Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra; with the Australia Awards scholarship. When Anna is not managing PDB, or reading to satisfy her curiosity, or cooking to feed her friends; her mind and heart are focused on managing Bula Vinaka Ubud. Bula Vinaka Ubud is an Indonesian street food restaurant that she uses as an entry point for community discussions and activities; especially on the topic of the environment, alternative education and entrepreneurship.




Marc-Antoine Dunais | Co-founder

Having migrated from his homeland some 15 years ago, Marc-Antoine has set roots in Indonesia where he tries to make a small contribution to protecting the country's natural environment. Through PlastikDetox, he has found an outlet where a small team of passionate people combine ideas and enthusiasm to reconcile business with nature. It is thanks to this initiative that he has discovered a simple truth: even with limited means, it is possible to achieve a lot thanks to young people who have practical solutions, a down-to-earth approach, and courage. When he's not busy running his company Catalyze, Marc-Antoine is usually to be found at home with his family and 2 dogs, on a bicycle or on a tennis court. 




Natalie Giusti | Co-founder 

Natalie is a proud mom of two girls who is striving to live a simple and zero waste lifestyle. Her love of nature and childhood dream of working with a conservation organisation has led her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara and work with the WWF for 7 years.
Being born and raised in Bali, the waste issue has always been at the top of her concerns and the driver for giving back to the island. After volunteering with various organisations, she realised that waste prevention is key. It is an empowering choice that everyone can do. She was thrilled to find likeminded friends who volunteered their time on this issue and together gradually formed PlastikDetox. Aside from gardening edibles, she enjoys playing ukulele and spending time with her family.




Ni Wayan Ani Yulinda | Co-founder

My first “serious” job was working for a community group in Seminyak, Legian, Kuta. After that I worked for a Kuta-based environmental non-governmental organization. The projects we worked on including beach clean-up on South Bali and environmental education. The network created from working at the NGO led to the establishment of Plastik Detox Bali in 2012. I also have been working on waste management in Bali with the communities, governments, NGOs, individuals and private sectors for years. My personal interests include wandering around and taking random pictures, food and movies. 




Luh De Dwi Jayanthi | Coordinator

Dwi Jayanthi has a great interest in youth communities, environmental and journalism activity. She has been focusing on environmental issues since 7 years ago such as saving energy, mangrove conservation and plastic waste during her study in Chemistry from Udayana University. She works with volunteers and student internships effectively support efforts to identify, build and nurture relationships with a range of relevant stakeholders in Bali. Her network, experiences in community and her journalism experience are key to the PlastikDetox campaign that she works for. As a 90’s generation, she loves to learn cooking, gardening and nothing while watching the mountain view.