TED: Our campaign to ban plastic bags in Bali | Melati and Isabel Wijsen

Isabel and Melati Wijsen, sisters from Bali, address the island's plastic waste problem by founding the 'Bye Bye Plastic Bags' campaign. Inspired by global efforts and their education at Green School, they mobilize a team to raise awareness and push for change. Despite challenges, including government resistance, they persist, using strategies like petitions and a hunger strike to engage officials. Their efforts lead to commitments for a plastic bag-free Bali, demonstrating the power of youth activism.

What motivated the sisters to start addressing the plastic waste problem in Bali?

• A lesson about significant people

• A school project on environmental issues

• A documentary they watched

• A family member's suggestion

What was the primary focus of the Bye Bye Plastic Bags initiative?

• Eliminating plastic bottles

• Reducing all types of waste

• Promoting recycling of metals

• Banning plastic bags

How did the sisters initially try to gain government support for their cause?

• By organizing a protest

• By hosting a public event

• By collecting one million signatures

• By writing a letter to the governor

What lesson did the sisters learn about achieving their goals?

• It's best to work alone

• Avoid involving others

• You need a big team of like-minded people

• You can do it all by yourself

Which influential figure taught the sisters about the power of a people's network?

• Nelson Mandela

• Mahatma Gandhi

• Jane Goodall

• Ban Ki Moon

What strategy did the sisters use to finally meet with the governor of Bali?

• A social media campaign

• A public protest

• A hunger strike

• A fundraising event

What is the goal of the 'One Island / One Voice' campaign?

• To promote tourism in Bali

• To increase recycling rates

• To reduce air pollution

• To make Bali a plastic bag-free zone

What did the sisters learn from their experience with the Bye Bye Plastic Bags campaign?

• Persistence and teamwork are crucial

• Kids cannot make a difference

• Adults should lead environmental efforts

• It's easy to change public policy

What message do the sisters want to convey to other kids around the world?

• Wait until you're older to make a difference

• Focus on your studies first

• It's not worth trying to change the world

• Go for it and make a difference

What is the ultimate question the sisters hope will be asked at Bali airports?

• Have you visited Bali before?

• Are you visiting for business or pleasure?

• Do you have any plastic bags to declare?

• Do you have any recyclable items?