United Against Plastic Pollution
Since our founding in 2018, we’ve had a clear mission: to contribute to marine conservation. Together with our partner foundation, GOT BAG Indonesia, we work to tackle plastic pollution at its source. But how exactly does that work? What does the foundation do day to day? And what milestones have we achieved over the past year?
Our GOT BAG Mission Report 2024 offers detailed insights into our shared progress and impact.
The Plastic Problem: A Global Crisis with Severe Consequences
In many parts of the world, there is no reliable rubbish collection. Waste is often dumped directly into the surrounding environment due to a lack of functioning disposal systems. Rain, wind and floods carry plastic into rivers, which then flow into the oceans.
It is estimated that 14 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. The World Economic Forum predicted that by 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean. This growing tide of plastic not only pollutes marine ecosystems, but also threatens countless species. Many seabirds and fish ingest plastic and die as a result.
One thing is clear: plastic pollution is a global crisis with devastating consequences. Tackling ocean plastic remains one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time.
Working with GOT BAG Indonesia: Tackling the Problem at Its Root
That’s why we’re working closely with GOT BAG Indonesia, which runs a dedicated clean-up programme on the island of Java. This initiative targets plastic pollution where it begins.
The GOT BAG Mission Report 2024 details our joint efforts and showcases the progress we made together in the past year.
Three Pillars of Impact: Plastic Collection, Infrastructure, and Environmental Education
Our partner foundation uses a holistic approach based on three core pillars:
- Collecting plastic waste in coastal regions
- Building infrastructure for proper waste disposal and recycling
- Raising awareness through environmental education
Local Commitment Through a Dedicated Team
In 2024, a team of eight full-time local employees worked for GOT BAG Indonesia. They collaborated with 19 coastal villages on Java to strengthen waste awareness and establish reliable disposal systems.
Stopping Plastic Before It Reaches the Ocean
Most plastic found in the sea comes from land-based sources. That’s why we focus on interception—removing plastic waste before it reaches the ocean.
GOT BAG Indonesia collects plastic near coastlines and across various inland locations. Communities can drop off their rubbish at local collection points, preventing it from being discarded into nature. Beach kiosks also contribute by responsibly disposing of their waste. Fishers return with plastic caught in their nets and bring it ashore.
The team also organises clean-ups in mangrove forests, which are rich in biodiversity and often trap large amounts of persistent plastic waste.
Environmental Education: The Key to Lasting Change
Sustainable impact requires more than clean-ups and infrastructure. That’s why GOT BAG Indonesia invests in education to drive long-term change.
The foundation collaborates with schools on Java to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution. Since mid-2024, teacher Aen has joined the team to expand the educational programme.
She has already taught 131 students about environmental issues and proper waste disposal. Activities included hands-on excursions and creative workshops, where pupils turned plastic bottles into flower pots.
In addition, GOT BAG Indonesia hosted a two-day Youth Environment Camp that brought together young people from the region to explore creative solutions and promote sustainable thinking.
GOT IMPACT 2024: Nearly 400 Tonnes of Plastic Removed
In 2024, GOT BAG Indonesia collected 396,008 kg (just under 400 tonnes) of plastic waste through its clean-up programme on Java—preventing it from ever reaching the ocean.
Mission 2025 and Beyond
Our goal remains clear: to create lasting, positive impact for the protection of the oceans and environment. In 2025, we’re working to expand our education programme in Indonesia to reach more schoolchildren—empowering them to share what they learn with their families and communities.
We are also increasing our collaboration with other ocean-focused organisations. Because we believe real change happens when many work together with courage and commitment.
Read the full GOT BAG Mission Report 2024 for detailed figures, milestones and results: MISSION REPORTS
