10-18-2024
How We Collected 1,422 Pounds of Plastic in a Day
Dominic Manzo, 4ocean Content Producer
We started the day at sunrise, with Alex Schulze, co-founder of 4ocean, rallying the team in Medewi, Bali. His energy was infectious. "This is why we're here—to protect the beauty of these coastlines," he reminded us. As we walked toward the shoreline, the reality of our mission set in. Plastic waste was everywhere, from bottles to ghost nets, carried in by the ocean’s currents. Each piece told a story, a reminder of how much work still lay ahead.
Our first discovery of the day? A massive ghost net tangled in debris. Alex paused, reflecting on the dangers this posed to marine life. Local fishermen explained why these nets are often left behind, opening our eyes to deeper challenges. But it wasn’t just trash we encountered. Watching a group of local kids join in picking up plastic was an uplifting moment. Alex smiled and said, "This right here is the future."
The day was full of highs and lows. Finding a dead sea turtle wrapped in debris hit us hard, but it also fueled our resolve. We ended the day removing 1,422 pounds of plastic and trash from the beach, and the feeling of camaraderie was unmatched. As Alex put it, "It’s tough work, but we’re united in this fight."
This day was just one of many, but every pound of plastic pulled from the ocean brings us one step closer to healthier seas. And we’re not stopping anytime soon. Will you join us in making a difference? Stay up to date with our Bali series for more behind-the-scenes stories, and be sure to subscribe to our channel to follow every step of our global cleanup adventures!