5 MIN READ
01-23-2025
We Found Dolls at Nyanyi Beach
Ucik, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent
Nyanyi Beach is known for its breathtaking sunsets and serene waves, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. However, the beach’s beauty is often overshadowed by the increasing amount of waste washing ashore. Plastic debris, wooden fragments, and other discarded materials are a frequent sight, tarnishing the landscape and harming marine life. On January 23, 2025, the 4ocean Denpasar team, led by Captain Agus, returned to Nyanyi Beach to tackle this ongoing issue.
As the team worked through the sand, collecting waste, they stumbled upon something unexpected—dolls. Among them was a heart-shaped doll, its once bright colors dulled by the salt and sand. This eerie find sparked a conversation among the crew: How did these dolls end up here? Were they once cherished gifts, now discarded and forgotten?
This moment led to a larger reflection on the environmental impact of material gifts. While dolls may hold sentimental value for a time, they often become waste, eventually polluting the ocean. Instead of giving dolls, why not choose gifts with a lasting positive impact? The 4ocean website offers a range of eco-friendly products, including bracelets and necklaces, each tied to our mission of cleaning and protecting the environment. Choosing sustainable gifts helps reduce pollution and supports ocean conservation.
Despite the beauty of Nyanyi Beach, our team faced a significant challenge: layers of waste wedged between piles of driftwood. As they worked carefully to extract the plastic and other debris, they also had to watch out for hidden hazards like rusty nails embedded in the wood. Even with protective gear, the risk of injury was high.
By the end of the cleanup, the team had successfully removed 446.85 lbs. of waste. Among the collected items were plastic bottles, sandals, shoes, bags, and, of course, the dolls that sparked so many questions.
As the team sorted through the waste, they reflected on the causes of pollution and the steps people could take to prevent it. One volunteer urged the importance of recycling, emphasizing that learning how to properly recycle plastic waste was far better than dumping it into rivers or the sea. Another stressed the dangers of careless disposal, warning that trash thrown into rivers would inevitably spread during floods, polluting everything in its path. Others highlighted the power of conscious consumption, encouraging people to choose products made from organic materials that are easier to recycle and to prioritize eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible.
These simple yet powerful reflections highlight a common theme: The environmental crisis we face is not a natural disaster—it is a human-made issue. If more people took responsibility for their waste and chose sustainable alternatives, we could protect beaches like Nyanyi for future generations.
Nyanyi Beach, like so many others, is caught in the struggle between nature’s beauty and human negligence. Our cleanup efforts make a difference, but true change will come when communities take action to prevent pollution at its source. Let’s be mindful of the gifts we give, the products we buy, and the way we dispose of waste. Small changes in our daily habits can have a lasting impact on the health of our planet.
