5 MIN READ
10-16-2024
Cleaning Up the Pangpang River: Our Mission to Protect Bali’s Waterways
Aby, 4ocean Captain
The 4ocean River Team, led by Captain Aby, conducted a cleanup activity along the eastern part of the Pangpang River in Bali.
On October 9, 2024, our 4ocean River Team set out on an important mission to clean the eastern stretch of the Pangpang River under my leadership as cleanup captain. The water conditions were perfect for sweeping, and with the team divided into two groups, we were ready to make a significant impact.
With three crew members on each side of the river, we began our cleanup effort. Everyone works together, navigating the riverbank while collecting trash. The most alarming discovery was the vast amount of plastic caught in the trees along the riverbank, a stark reminder of the pollution affecting our waterways.
It felt both shocking and urgent to witness how plastic waste had accumulated in this beautiful natural environment.
By the time we reached our final weighing point, our hard work paid off: we had collected an impressive 1,809.37 pounds of plastic waste, filling a total of 41 sacks. Each bag represented not just trash removed, but also a step toward a cleaner ocean and healthier marine ecosystems.
Reflecting on the day, I reminded the team of the importance of our work. “Cleanliness is a shared responsibility,” I said. “River cleanups should involve everyone, not just the 4Ocean team. We need to work together to reduce the amount of waste that flows into our oceans.” It was heartening to see the crew's commitment to this mission, driven by a shared goal of protecting our environment.
However, the cleanup wasn’t without its challenges. The vehicle access point was quite a distance from our cleanup site, approximately 100-150 meters away. To tackle this, we decided to reduce the size of the packed sacks, making it easier for everyone to carry them to the pickup point without becoming overwhelmed by the weight.
As we concluded our cleanup, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the support from 4Ocean Indonesia management, who provided us with the facilities and safety measures necessary for our work. Our efforts in sweeping the river are crucial for reducing the amount of plastic waste that ultimately ends up in our oceans.
We left the river that day with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that our efforts make a difference. Every piece of plastic removed is a step closer to healthier waterways for our community and a cleaner environment for future generations.
