5 MIN READ
01-25-2025
Bali’s Stunning Beaches Have a Hidden Problem—And It’s Worse Than Expected
Jared Dillingham, Journalist & Travel Blogger
I live in the heart of the desert southwest (Phoenix, Arizona), so when I travel it’s often to the beach.
It’s always disheartening to see trash and plastics on beaches around the world, but particularly in Southeast Asia. I’ve followed 4ocean’s work for years, so I was happy the stars aligned for me to visit their crew in Bali during a recent trip.
In less than a decade, 4ocean’s reach has grown pretty remarkably. When I mentioned the trip, one coworker was quick to say that her son has several bracelets, while another has a 4ocean towel. They were all interested to hear about the operations on Bali.
Personally, I was expecting some trash along the high-tide marks, and was completely unprepared for the extent of the plastic problem.
It’s almost like Bali has its own version of the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.” I didn’t realize: currents naturally carry ocean plastics and pollution from around Southeast Asia and deposit it on beaches along the southwestern coast of Bali.
I honestly thought there was a glitch in our translation; surely he’d meant they cleaned the same beach a month ago, or at least a week ago? Nope, he understood both my question and the stunned look on my face that followed his answer.
The problem is relentless, especially during the rainy monsoonal winter months.
Still, the crew seemed undaunted, and continued without pause. Even during the heavy showers that passed through, I took cover under an umbrella, while they kept cleaning the beach.
One of the team leaders said it was initially a challenge to convince people in town to work for 4ocean. After word spread that it was an environmental group doing some good for the island, finding workers became much easier. The cleanup efforts seem to instill a sense of pride, and they know they’re making a difference.
It was also interesting to learn about the innovations they’ve made to make the operation more efficient. They include specialized boats for the ocean and rivers, a conveyor system to hoist trash bags up the steep riverbank, and heavy machinery to sort, clean, and bundle the plastics.
Our visit to the loud, industrial sorting warehouse was balanced by a stop nearby to meet some of the artisans weaving the 4ocean bracelets which are known worldwide. Let’s just say: the one I made didn’t meet quality control standards!
In a place like Bali, there’s such a stark contrast between the natural beauty of the landscapes, and the ugly problem of plastic pollution. The visit was both humbling and empowering.
While 4ocean isn’t a volunteer opportunity for tourists, I was glad to get the opportunity to meet so many of the people working hard for the great good, and document it all for my audience.
Jared Dillingham is an Arizona-based journalist, travel host, and writer with nearly two decades of experience in television news. He has spent the last 13 years in Phoenix, anchoring the evening newscasts on 3TV and CBS5 (KTVK and KPHO). Throughout his career, Jared has covered major stories in Arizona and has reported from diverse locations, including Mexico, Vietnam, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Washington, D.C.
Beyond his journalism career, Jared is an avid traveler who shares his adventures and insights on his blog, Jared's Detours. He appreciates iconic "must-see" sites and enjoys discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. His interests also include hiking, gardening, and spending time with his dogs.
Jared Dillingham is an Arizona-based journalist, travel host, and writer with nearly two decades of experience in television news. He has spent the last 13 years in Phoenix, anchoring the evening newscasts on 3TV and CBS5 (KTVK and KPHO). Throughout his career, Jared has covered major stories in Arizona and has reported from diverse locations, including Mexico, Vietnam, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), and Washington, D.C.
Beyond his journalism career, Jared is an avid traveler who shares his adventures and insights on his blog, Jared's Detours. He appreciates iconic "must-see" sites and enjoys discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. His interests also include hiking, gardening, and spending time with his dogs.
