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Sungai Design: Repurposing Plastic Waste into Functional Art Pieces
Sungai Design:
Repurposing Plastic Waste into Functional
Art Pieces
Driven by a mission to restore the ecological balance of Bali and Indonesia, Sungai Watch employs innovative technologies to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. Their pioneering garbage barriers, strategically placed along the island's waterways, serve as a defense against the relentless tide of pollution. Through tireless dedication and strong determination, the organization has collected over 1.8 million kilograms of plastic since its inception.
June 2024 • Words & Photography by The Punch
"We hope to see more clean rivers globally and put an end to plastic pollution within our lifetime."
Sungai Watch
THE URGENCY OF CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTIONS
In places like Indonesia, where there is a lack of proper waste management infrastructure, it is vital that we take back what we bring. In these areas, waste is often openly burned or dumped into oceans and rivers, exacerbating the already dire pollution situation.
One of the biggest current issues in local communities is the widespread use of single-use plastics. A 2020 study found that 70% of Indonesians were unaware that plastic is harmful, contributing to the spread of plastic pollution. Large multinational corporations, particularly in the food and beverage, personal care, and retail sectors, have been instrumental in embedding single-use plastics into everyday life. These companies have identified single-use plastics as a cost-effective packaging solution. The convenience offered by single-use plastics—whether in the form of water bottles, shopping bags, shampoo sachets, or food wrappers—strongly appeals to both consumers and businesses, leading to their widespread adoption.
A particularly inspiring and crucial principle promoted by environmentally conscious businesses is the idea of not leaving any trace behind. This ethos urges us to be acutely aware of everything we consume and its environmental impact. Indonesia's plastic pollution crisis is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. It starts with raising awareness among individuals and communities about the impact of their consumption habits. Businesses must also take responsibility for the environmental impact of their packaging choices and work towards sustainable alternatives. By being conscious of what we consume and how we dispose of it, we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint.
SUNGAI WATCH: A VISION FOR CLEANER RIVERS
Sungai Watch, a non-profit organization committed to safeguarding Indonesia's rivers and oceans from the impact of plastic pollution, was founded by siblings Gary, Kelly, and Sam Bencheghib. Driven by the mission to restore Bali and Indonesia’s ecological balance, Sungai Watch employs innovative technologies to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. Their pioneering trash barriers, strategically placed along the island's waterways, serve as a defense against the relentless tide of pollution. Through tireless dedication and strong determination, the organization has already amassed over 1.8 million kilograms of plastic since its inception.
Their initial projects have shown promising results, with some rivers becoming clean enough to allow the relocation of their barriers to other polluted areas. The organization believes that with adequate government support and community involvement, significant progress can be made. Sungai Watch's ultimate dream is to see a future where their work is no longer necessary. This vision underlines the organization's commitment to not only managing waste, but also tackling the root causes of pollution. By building a culture of sustainability and responsible consumption, Sungai Watch aims to inspire wider environmental responsibility across Indonesia.
SUNGAI DESIGN: TURNING PLASTIC WASTE INTO FUNCTIONAL ART
Sungai Design, a sister initiative to Sungai Watch, focuses on repurposing plastic waste into functional art pieces. The birth of Sungai Design was driven by the challenge of managing the immense amount of plastic waste gathered by Sungai Watch over three and a half years of river cleanups. Faced with warehouses overflowing with plastic, the team sought sustainable recycling solutions. They discovered that most recycling operations in Indonesia do not adhere to proper environmental standards, often discharging wastewater irresponsibly and operating in conditions that generate microplastics.
The first product from Sungai Design is an innovative chair made from 2,000 plastic bags collected, washed, pressed, and transformed into a functional and aesthetically pleasing piece of furniture. Determined to set a new standard, Sungai Design focuses on recycling low-value plastics, particularly plastic bags, which constitute 36% of the waste collected from rivers and are generally non-recyclable in Indonesia. By transforming this problematic plastic into durable furniture, Sungai Design not only provides a practical solution for waste management but also funds further cleanup efforts through sales. This initiative reflects a commitment to sustainability and innovation, turning what was once waste into valuable resources.
The vision for Sungai Watch and Sungai Design extends beyond Bali. These projects, which began with a simple goal of cleaning rivers to prevent ocean pollution, have grown into a model for global environmental efforts. Expansion plans include extending their reach to Jakarta and other parts of the world.
SUNGAI WATCH
SUNGAI DESIGN