Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing Indonesia today, with Bali being one of the regions most affected by this crisis. Each year, an estimated 3.2 million tons of plastic waste is mismanaged in Indonesia, leading to severe pollution in waterways, affecting marine life, and posing risks to human health. Among the organizations at the forefront of addressing this challenge is Sungai Watch, a community river cleanup organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Indonesia’s rivers.
About Sungai Watch
Sungai Watch, founded in 2020, is a leading environmental initiative that focuses on cleaning up rivers and preventing plastic waste from reaching the ocean. With their innovative approach and community-based efforts, they have managed to make significant strides in the battle against plastic pollution. According to their website, Sungai Watch collects approximately 40 kilograms of waste per day per location, amounting to thousands of kilograms monthly.
Bali: A Plastic Pollution Hotspot
Bali, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, faces a significant threat from plastic pollution. Reports indicate that Bali generates around 1.5 million tons of waste annually, with plastic waste constituting a large portion of it. This plastic waste often ends up in rivers and oceans, severely affecting the island’s delicate ecosystem. A 2017 study found that Bali’s rivers were among the most polluted in the world, with up to 33,000 pieces of plastic debris per square kilometer. The impact on tourism, marine life, and local communities is profound, necessitating urgent and sustained intervention.
How Wedoo Supports Sungai Watch
Wedoo is proud to be a vital partner in Sungai Watch’s mission. Since 2020, Wedoo has been providing essential machinery that aids in waste management and recycling processes. Our Sheetpress and balers are critical tools used by Sungai Watch to manage and repurpose the collected plastic waste efficiently.
The collaboration began with a shared vision of a cleaner and healthier environment. By supplying advanced and reliable machines, Wedoo has empowered Sungai Watch to scale their operations. Currently, Sungai Watch operates in 10 locations across Bali and Java, and Wedoo’s machines are integral to these operations.
The Role of Balers in Sungai Watch’s Operations
Balers are machines designed to compress and bind materials into compact bales, making them easier to handle, transport, and recycle. For Sungai Watch, balers are an essential part of their daily operations. Once the plastic waste is collected from rivers, it is sorted, cleaned, and then processed using the balers. These balers compress the plastic waste into manageable bales that can be easily transported to recycling facilities.
By using balers, Sungai Watch not only enhances the efficiency of their waste management process but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with transporting bulky plastic waste. This streamlined process ensures that more plastic is kept out of landfills and waterways, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
Sungai Design: Innovating with Recycled Plastic
Sungai Design, the sister company of Sungai Watch, exemplifies the innovative use of recycled materials. They have taken the concept of upcycling to new heights, creating luxurious and sustainable products from recycled plastic. One of the standout products is their range of luxurious chairs, made using plastic bags collected from the rivers.
Wedoo’s Sheetpress machine plays a crucial role in this innovative process. The Sheetpress machine melts plastic bags and molds them into durable sheets that can be used to create a variety of products. This technology not only helps in reducing plastic waste but also provides a sustainable source of materials for creating high-quality, eco-friendly furniture.
A Proud Partnership
Wedoo’s partnership with Sungai Watch and Sungai Design is a testament to what can be achieved when businesses and environmental organizations come together with a common goal. Our machines have not only helped in managing plastic waste but have also contributed to the creation of sustainable products, promoting a circular economy.
Since the beginning of our collaboration in 2020, we have seen remarkable progress. Sungai Watch’s operations have expanded, and their impact has grown, thanks to the efficiency and reliability of the machinery provided by Wedoo. As of now, Sungai Watch has successfully installed our machines in 10 locations, and we are proud to play a part in their movement to clean and protect Indonesia’s waterways.
Join the Movement
The fight against plastic pollution is a collective effort. Organizations like Sungai Watch and Sungai Design are leading the way, but they need support from individuals and businesses alike. By choosing to support and partner with initiatives that focus on environmental sustainability, we can all contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.
To see the innovative products created by Sungai Design, check out their website.
Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing plastic waste and protecting our precious waterways. Join us in supporting Sungai Watch and Sungai Design, and let’s create a better future for Indonesia and the world.