The purpose of this blog is to promote non-government organizations, big or small, that are actively trying to solve problems we face on our planet. These organizations are on the frontlines, have proven records, and most of all have the ability to make a change. 

I believe that each and every one of us can contribute to the wellbeing of our species and the species we share this planet with. Many small people, in many small places, do many small things, that ultimately shape our future.

 50% of the proceeds from Steemit will be donated to the NGO of the month!  

Bye Bye Plastic Bags - Say No to Plastic Bags 

Bye Bye Plastic Bags is the first NGO in our series. It’s an initiative started by kids addressing one of the biggest issues our society faces today. Plastic waste. What’s impressive is that they are doing this in arguably the biggest plastic polluter in the world, Indonesia. A country with amazing biological land and marine life and unfortunately a slow acting and corrupt and government. These brave kids took matters in their own hand and here is their story.

https://www.facebook.com/bbcstoryworks/videos/2223435134547665/

Official Description   

Bye Bye Plastic Bags is a social initiative driven by children, driven by the youth to get the people of Bali to say no to plastic bags. Founders and sisters, Melati (15) and Isabel (13) Wijsen started Bye Bye Plastic Bags 3 years ago when they were inspired by a lesson in class about significant people like Nelson Mandela, Lady Diana, Mahatma Ghandi. They went home that day and thought “What can we do as children living in Bali, what can we do NOW.” Bye Bye Plastic Bags was born in 2013 and now has a volunteer team of 25-30 students from all schools around Bali, local and international. And has become a well known international movement of inspiration, youth empowerment, and of course, saying no to plastic bags.  

4 Pillars

Education 

We believe so strongly that education is where the change can happen. We have created a 25 paged booklet in bahasa indonesian, illustrated by one of our local team members (aged 13), the booklet is all about waste management, marine debris, the simple 3r’s, and youth empowerment! Our next step is to work with the government to get this implemented into all the school systems in Bali, and then hopefully Indonesia.   

One Island One Voice 

This is a campaign we started for Bali and has our total focus to highlight those shops, restaurants, hotels, etc that are plastic bag free by putting a sticker to indicate that it is part of the “One Island One Voice – Plastic Bag Free Zone” . We use the name and shame technique, and everyone that carries the sticker will get a shout out on all of our social media platforms.   

Pilot Village

We run a pilot village called Pererenan, home to 800 local families. Every saturday we distribute alternative bags to the local shops and warungs. Its proven to be an intense lobbying where we learn more about the balinese culture; but we learn again, no change will happen without the local support. So we are committed to this village, and motivated to make it plastic bag free!   

Global 

Young people from every corner of the world were the ones reaching out, the ones sending emails saying “Hey! I want to do Bye Bye Plastic Bags back where I come from!” Now, you can find Bye Bye Plastic Bags in Australia, Jakarta, Guadalajara, New York, Nepal, Myanmar, China, Singapore, and the Philippines. YOUTH EMPOWERMENT!!!  

In action

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