It’s official—Bali is finally putting an end to a long-term toxic relationship with plastic.
Last Christmas, Bali’s Governor I Wayan Koster announced that single-use plastics and polystyrene will be banned in Bali in 2019, in an attempt to bring light to the severity of environmental pollution in this island paradise. All businesses were given a 6-month transition period to properly plan and implement the change accordingly.
Since then, many of our favourite cafes and restaurants have made the conscious effort to rid themselves of single-use plastic bags and straws (kudos!) and provided bamboo, paper or stainless steel alternatives for diners.
Retailers, malls, and even our friendly minimarts have also stopped handing out plastic bags. More businesses and consumers are implementing their own eco-conscious initiatives from reducing food waste to beach cleaning and switching to biodegradable materials.
On 23 June 2019, in a move to reduce marine pollution by 70%, the bill was instated, meaning plastic bags, plastic straws and Styrofoam are now officially prohibited island-wide.
This is a major breakthrough for environmentalists who have been backing the cause for years—especially for two young sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen, co-founders of Bye Bye Plastic Bags and One Island One Voice, who have fought the battle at the forefront and rallied the whole island for support since 2013.
Although the ban is now in effect, it is still in a transitional phase for at least the next six months as the government will work closely with retailers, distributors, and consumers on all levels of trade: from modern retailers to traditional markets and warungs.
Bali has become one of the top destinations in the world, known for its picturesque beaches, lush rice terraces, and limestone cliffs. However the growing environmental pollution over the years has taken the fun and beauty out of this natural paradise, and it’s about time we all consciously play our part in changing that so the island of the gods can be as beautiful as it once was.
Source: The Bali Bibble
