Maya Ellison
Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) was created in 2013 by two young sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, who were inspired to take action against plastic pollution after learning about environmental issues in school. At just 12 and 10 years old, they were deeply moved by the devastating impact of plastic waste on Bali’s beaches and ecosystems. Determined to make a difference, they launched the movement with a simple yet powerful mission: to ban plastic bags in Bali. Through grassroots activism, community engagement, and international advocacy, BBPB gained momentum, eventually leading to Bali’s provincial government implementing a tax on plastic bags in 2018 and a full ban in 2019. The sisters’ initiative has since grown into a global youth-led movement, empowering young people worldwide to combat plastic pollution and advocate for sustainable alternatives. Their story exemplifies how passion, perseverance, and collective action can drive meaningful environmental change.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founders | Melati and Isabel Wijsen |
| Year Founded | 2013 |
| Location of Origin | Bali, Indonesia |
| Inspiration | Concern over plastic pollution on Bali's beaches and its impact on the environment and tourism |
| Initial Goal | To ban single-use plastic bags in Bali |
| Key Strategies | Youth-led advocacy, community engagement, social media campaigns, and collaboration with local government and businesses |
| Major Milestones | Bali committed to a ban on single-use plastics by 2019 (later adjusted to a tax on plastic bags in 2021); expansion to global initiatives |
| Target Audience | Local communities, schools, governments, and international audiences |
| Impact | Raised global awareness about plastic pollution; inspired similar movements worldwide; contributed to policy changes in Bali and beyond |
| Current Focus | Global advocacy for plastic reduction, education, and sustainable alternatives |
| Recognition | Featured in international media, TED Talks, and awarded for environmental activism |
| Website | Bye Bye Plastic Bags |
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What You'll Learn
- Inspiration Behind the Movement: Two young sisters from Bali initiated the campaign to combat plastic pollution
- First Steps and Actions: Started with beach cleanups and awareness campaigns in local schools and communities
- Key Partnerships Formed: Collaborated with businesses, NGOs, and government bodies to amplify their impact
- Signature Petition Drive: Collected over 100,000 signatures to push for a plastic bag tax in Bali
- Global Expansion Efforts: Replicated the model in other countries, inspiring similar youth-led movements worldwide
Inspiration Behind the Movement: Two young sisters from Bali initiated the campaign to combat plastic pollution
The inspiration behind the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement stems from the passion and determination of two young sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, who grew up on the island of Bali, Indonesia. At the ages of 10 and 12, respectively, the sisters were deeply moved by the stark contrast between Bali’s natural beauty and the pervasive plastic pollution that marred its landscapes and waterways. Their awakening came during a school presentation about influential leaders like Nelson Mandela and Lady Diana, which sparked the question: "If they could change the world, why can’t we?" This realization ignited their resolve to address the plastic crisis in their own community.
The sisters were particularly inspired by the concept of starting small but thinking big. They recognized that Bali, a global tourist destination, was drowning in plastic waste, with single-use plastic bags being a major contributor. Armed with a vision to make Bali plastic-bag-free, Melati and Isabel began their campaign in 2013. Their initial efforts included raising awareness through school presentations, community clean-ups, and engaging with local businesses. The sisters’ youthful energy, combined with their unwavering commitment, quickly garnered attention and support from both locals and international visitors.
A pivotal moment in their journey was their decision to petition the Balinese government to ban single-use plastic bags. At just 12 and 14 years old, they organized a TEDx talk in Bali, where they shared their mission and called for action. Their boldness and clarity of purpose resonated with many, leading to a surge in support for their cause. The sisters’ ability to articulate the urgency of the plastic pollution crisis, coupled with their actionable solutions, inspired thousands to join the movement. Their campaign gained momentum, proving that age is no barrier to creating meaningful change.
The Wijsen sisters’ approach was rooted in education and collaboration. They understood that combating plastic pollution required a shift in mindset and behavior. To achieve this, they launched workshops, beach clean-ups, and social media campaigns to educate the public about the environmental impact of plastic bags and promote sustainable alternatives. Their efforts were not just about banning plastic but also about empowering individuals to make eco-conscious choices. This inclusive and educational strategy became a cornerstone of the Bye Bye Plastic Bags movement.
The global impact of their initiative is a testament to their inspiration and dedication. What began as a local campaign in Bali has since expanded to a worldwide movement, with chapters in over 60 countries. The sisters’ story has been featured in international media, and they have spoken at prominent platforms like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. Their journey highlights the power of grassroots activism and the ability of young people to drive systemic change. Melati and Isabel’s vision of a plastic-free future continues to inspire millions, proving that even the smallest voices can spark a global revolution.
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First Steps and Actions: Started with beach cleanups and awareness campaigns in local schools and communities
The inception of Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) began with a simple yet powerful idea: to tackle the growing plastic pollution crisis through grassroots action. The founders, two young sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, started their journey in Bali, Indonesia, an island paradise marred by plastic waste. Their first steps were grounded in direct action and community engagement, focusing on beach cleanups and awareness campaigns in local schools and communities. These initial efforts laid the foundation for what would become a global movement.
Beach cleanups were the first tangible action taken by the sisters and their early supporters. They organized regular cleanups along Bali’s polluted coastlines, mobilizing volunteers from their community. These cleanups not only removed plastic waste from the environment but also served as a hands-on educational experience for participants. Through these activities, people witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution, fostering a deeper understanding of the issue. The cleanups were not just about picking up trash; they were about inspiring individuals to take responsibility for their environment and commit to reducing plastic use.
Simultaneously, Melati and Isabel launched awareness campaigns in local schools and communities. They recognized that education was key to driving long-term change. The sisters visited schools, sharing their story and educating students about the harmful effects of plastic bags on marine life, ecosystems, and human health. Their presentations were interactive and engaging, often including videos, visuals, and discussions to make the issue relatable for young audiences. By targeting schools, they aimed to empower the next generation to become advocates for change, encouraging them to adopt sustainable habits and influence their families and peers.
Community engagement was another critical component of their early actions. The sisters organized workshops, seminars, and public events to raise awareness about plastic pollution and promote alternatives to single-use plastics. They collaborated with local businesses, encouraging them to reduce their reliance on plastic bags and adopt eco-friendly alternatives. These efforts helped build a network of like-minded individuals and organizations, amplifying their message and creating a collective sense of responsibility. The community-driven approach ensured that the movement was inclusive and sustainable, rooted in local values and needs.
Through these first steps—beach cleanups, school campaigns, and community outreach—Bye Bye Plastic Bags began to gain momentum. The sisters’ passion and determination inspired others to join the cause, turning a small initiative into a powerful movement. Their actions demonstrated that even young individuals could make a significant impact by starting locally and focusing on practical, actionable solutions. These early efforts not only cleaned up Bali’s beaches but also sowed the seeds of a global campaign to say goodbye to plastic bags for good.
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Key Partnerships Formed: Collaborated with businesses, NGOs, and government bodies to amplify their impact
The success of Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) can be largely attributed to the strategic partnerships formed with businesses, NGOs, and government bodies, which significantly amplified their impact. From the outset, the founders, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, understood that tackling the plastic waste crisis required collective effort. One of their earliest and most impactful collaborations was with local businesses in Bali, where the movement began. They engaged with hotels, restaurants, and retail stores to encourage the reduction of single-use plastics and adopt sustainable alternatives. These businesses not only supported the cause financially but also became advocates, spreading the message to their customers and suppliers, creating a ripple effect across the island.
NGOs played a pivotal role in scaling BBPB’s initiatives. Partnerships with environmental organizations such as the Bali Environmental Association and international groups like Greenpeace provided the movement with technical expertise, resources, and a broader platform. These collaborations enabled BBPB to access research, data, and best practices in waste management, which were crucial in designing effective campaigns. Additionally, NGOs helped BBPB connect with global networks, allowing their message to reach international audiences and inspiring similar movements in other countries.
Government bodies were another critical partner in BBPB’s journey. The sisters actively engaged with local and national governments in Indonesia to advocate for policy changes. Their efforts led to significant milestones, such as the Bali Governor’s commitment to reduce plastic waste by 70% by 2019 and the eventual ban on single-use plastics in Bali in 2019. These partnerships ensured that BBPB’s grassroots efforts were complemented by legislative action, creating a more sustainable and enforceable framework for plastic reduction.
Collaborations with educational institutions also formed a key part of BBPB’s strategy. By partnering with schools and universities, the movement was able to educate and empower the younger generation, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. These institutions became hubs for BBPB’s campaigns, with students organizing clean-up drives, workshops, and awareness programs. Such partnerships not only expanded BBPB’s reach but also ensured the long-term sustainability of their mission by inspiring future leaders.
Finally, BBPB’s engagement with international organizations and forums, such as the United Nations, further solidified their global impact. By presenting their work at platforms like the UN Youth Climate Summit, they gained recognition and support from world leaders and organizations. These partnerships provided BBPB with the visibility and resources needed to scale their initiatives globally, proving that local actions, when supported by strong collaborations, can drive worldwide change. Through these diverse partnerships, BBPB transformed from a local initiative into a global movement, demonstrating the power of unity in combating environmental challenges.
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Signature Petition Drive: Collected over 100,000 signatures to push for a plastic bag tax in Bali
The Signature Petition Drive was a pivotal campaign in the early days of Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB), a youth-led organization founded by sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen in Bali, Indonesia. Inspired by a school lesson about significant global leaders and their impacts, the sisters decided to tackle the overwhelming plastic pollution crisis in their island home. They recognized that plastic bags were a major contributor to this issue and set out to create change. The petition drive was their first large-scale initiative, aimed at mobilizing public support to advocate for a plastic bag tax in Bali. By engaging the community, they hoped to demonstrate the collective desire for policy change and put pressure on local authorities to take action.
To launch the Signature Petition Drive, Melati and Isabel, along with their growing team of young volunteers, organized awareness campaigns across Bali. They set up booths at schools, markets, beaches, and public events, educating people about the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment, particularly marine life and Bali’s ecosystems. Armed with clipboards and passion, the team collected signatures from locals and tourists alike, explaining how a plastic bag tax could reduce consumption and encourage the use of reusable alternatives. Their approach was direct and instructive, focusing on the tangible benefits of the proposed tax while addressing common concerns, such as the affordability of alternatives for low-income communities.
The campaign gained momentum as more people became aware of the initiative through word of mouth and social media. Celebrities, influencers, and local leaders joined the cause, amplifying the message and encouraging their followers to sign the petition. The sisters’ youth and determination inspired many, proving that age was not a barrier to creating meaningful change. By the end of the drive, they had collected over 100,000 signatures, a testament to the widespread support for their cause. This massive show of public backing became a powerful tool in their advocacy efforts, providing legitimacy and urgency to their call for a plastic bag tax.
With the signatures in hand, Melati and Isabel presented their petition to Bali’s governor and other key policymakers. They emphasized the environmental and economic benefits of reducing plastic bag use, citing successful examples from other regions that had implemented similar taxes. The petition drive not only demonstrated public demand but also positioned BBPB as a credible and influential voice in environmental advocacy. Although the tax was not immediately implemented, the campaign laid the groundwork for future policy discussions and cemented BBPB’s role as a driving force in Bali’s fight against plastic pollution.
The Signature Petition Drive was more than just a numbers game; it was a movement that empowered individuals to take action and believe in the possibility of change. It taught the team valuable lessons in community engagement, grassroots organizing, and the power of collective effort. These lessons would later inform BBPB’s other initiatives, such as beach cleanups, educational programs, and global campaigns like “Bye Bye Plastic Bags Day.” The drive remains a cornerstone of BBPB’s history, showcasing how a simple yet focused idea, executed with determination, can inspire thousands and pave the way for systemic change.
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Global Expansion Efforts: Replicated the model in other countries, inspiring similar youth-led movements worldwide
The success of Bye Bye Plastic Bags (BBPB) in Bali served as a blueprint for global expansion, inspiring youth-led movements in other countries to replicate their model. Founded by sisters Melati and Isabel Wijsen, BBPB’s approach—combining grassroots activism, education, and community engagement—was designed to be adaptable, making it easier for young activists worldwide to adopt and tailor to their local contexts. The organization began sharing its strategies through workshops, online resources, and partnerships, empowering youth to tackle plastic pollution in their own communities. This replication strategy focused on providing tools, training, and moral support, ensuring that each new movement could thrive independently while staying true to the core principles of BBPB.
One of the key global expansion efforts involved creating a structured framework that other countries could follow. BBPB developed a step-by-step guide outlining how to start a campaign, engage local stakeholders, and mobilize communities. This included templates for petitions, educational materials, and advocacy strategies, all of which were made available through their website and social media channels. By open-sourcing their methods, BBPB lowered the barrier to entry for young activists, enabling them to launch similar initiatives without starting from scratch. This approach not only accelerated the growth of youth-led movements but also fostered a sense of global solidarity among young environmentalists.
BBPB also actively collaborated with international organizations and schools to amplify their reach. They partnered with entities like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and local educational institutions to conduct workshops and training sessions in countries such as Thailand, Brazil, and Canada. These sessions focused on teaching youth how to organize campaigns, lobby policymakers, and raise awareness effectively. By sharing their own experiences and lessons learned, Melati and Isabel inspired countless young people to take action, proving that age is not a barrier to creating meaningful change.
The impact of BBPB’s global expansion efforts is evident in the emergence of similar youth-led movements worldwide. For example, in the Philippines, the movement "No Plastics Philippines" adopted BBPB’s model to push for stricter plastic regulations. In Kenya, young activists launched "Bye Bye Plastic Kenya," focusing on community cleanups and policy advocacy. Each of these movements adapted BBPB’s strategies to address local challenges, demonstrating the versatility and effectiveness of the model. This proliferation of youth-led initiatives has created a global network of young environmental leaders, united in their fight against plastic pollution.
To sustain this momentum, BBPB continues to mentor and support emerging movements, offering ongoing guidance and resources. They host annual summits and webinars where young activists can connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. This collaborative approach ensures that the global youth movement remains vibrant and impactful. By replicating their model in other countries, BBPB has not only inspired similar initiatives but has also fostered a culture of youth empowerment and environmental stewardship on a global scale. Their efforts prove that local actions, when scaled effectively, can contribute to a worldwide solution to plastic pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Bye Bye Plastic Bags was created by two young sisters, Melati and Isabel Wijsen, who were inspired to take action against plastic pollution after learning about environmental issues at their school in Bali, Indonesia.
The sisters were inspired by a lesson about influential figures like Nelson Mandela and Lady Diana, which motivated them to believe that even young people could make a difference. They decided to tackle the plastic waste crisis in Bali.
Melati was 12 years old, and Isabel was 10 years old when they launched Bye Bye Plastic Bags in 2013.
Their first major goal was to ban plastic bags in Bali. They started by organizing beach cleanups, raising awareness, and petitioning the Balinese government to take action against single-use plastics.
The organization gained international recognition through the sisters' TED Talks, media coverage, and their successful campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali. Their efforts inspired similar movements worldwide, solidifying their global impact.
