5 MIN READ
02-06-2025
Mengening Beach: A Paradise at Risk Due to Household Waste
Ucik, 4ocean Bali Content Correspondent
Mengening Beach, renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and the sacred temple standing in the middle of the sea, is a beloved escape for locals and tourists alike. However, behind its picturesque facade, a silent crisis brews—plastic waste, carried by river currents, accumulates along the shoreline, threatening the very beauty that draws so many visitors.
On February 6, 2025, our 4ocean cleanup crew set out to tackle the pollution. At first glance, the beach appeared clean, but as we ventured inland, a different reality unfolded. Piles of plastic waste lay tangled among driftwood, hidden from immediate view but impossible to ignore. Determined to restore the beach’s natural beauty, our team sprang into action.
With gloves on and bags in hand, we began removing food wrappers, plastic bottles, buckets, helmets, fishing nets, and thousands of microplastics scattered across the sand. Among the usual waste, we uncovered something unexpected—a long, abandoned air conditioning pipe, dirty and left to deteriorate under the sun. This alarming find underscored how improperly discarded waste, especially from households, contributes to the growing environmental crisis.
The waste we collected wasn’t just an eyesore—it was a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental awareness. Much of the pollution originated from households, either discarded directly or carried by rivers from distant locations. Seeing such preventable damage was heartbreaking, but it also fueled our commitment to making a lasting difference.
What You Can Do to Help
To prevent further pollution and protect our oceans, we encourage everyone to take simple but impactful steps:
- Reduce single-use plastics by switching to reusable cloth bags and water bottles.
- Join community cleanups to help keep beaches and waterways free of waste.
- Properly separate trash to facilitate recycling and minimize environmental impact.
- Teach the next generation about sustainability and the importance of protecting natural spaces.
Among the waste recovered were plastic cups, straws, ropes, mattresses, and even unexpected items like dolls and pillows. This operation highlighted the disturbing reality of plastic pollution and the need for continuous cleanup efforts.
Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution.
