Rama: Gili Air’s Local Hero Turning Trash into Treasure

Gili Air, a little paradise

Gili Air, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant underwater life, has always been a paradise for divers and nature lovers. Yet, like many beautiful places, it faces the growing challenge of pollution, particularly plastic waste. Amid this problem, a young local hero named Rama has emerged, leading a grassroots movement to tackle trash in his community while creating a sustainable business.

At just 23 years old, Rama’s story is one of inspiration, resourcefulness, and the power of local action in the fight against environmental degradation. Starting with a simple desire to help his island, he has grown into a key figure in the community, showing that individual initiative can lead to impactful change.

The Beginning: From Beach Cleanup Volunteer to Entrepreneur

Rama’s journey started at Oceans 5 Gili Air, a well-known dive center and conservation hub on the island. Oceans 5 organizes weekly beach cleanups, an initiative that aims to reduce the pollution washing up on the island’s shores. Like many concerned locals, Rama joined the beach cleanup efforts to do his part in keeping his home island clean.

As Rama participated in these weekly cleanups, he became more aware of the types of waste that were collected. Plastic bottles and metal cans were a common sight, not only on the beaches but also scattered throughout the village. While many volunteers focused on clearing the beaches, Rama saw an opportunity beyond just picking up trash. He realized that these materials had potential value and could be recycled if properly managed.

Starting His Own Business: Waste Collection and Recycling

Driven by this realization, Rama decided to take matters into his own hands. He started by separating plastic bottles and metal cans from the general rubbish collected by the beach cleanup volunteers. What began as a small effort quickly expanded as Rama discovered that the problem was much larger than just the beaches. Gili Air’s village, home to residents, businesses, and tourists alike, was also inundated with plastic and metal waste.

Recognizing an opportunity to turn this environmental challenge into a business, Rama began dedicating his afternoons to collecting bottles and cans, not just from the beaches but also from the village. Every day at 1:00 PM, he sets out to gather waste, spending 4-5 hours meticulously collecting bottles and cans from various locations. By the end of his day, he often has rice bags filled with recyclables, ready to be transported to the mainland for processing.

Partnering with Local Businesses: A Community Effort

Rama’s initiative didn’t stop at just collecting waste from public spaces. Understanding that local businesses also contribute to the island’s waste, he started making deals with restaurants and bars around Gili Air. He established regular pickup schedules, offering to collect their plastic bottles and metal cans. This partnership not only helps the businesses manage their waste but also ensures that more recyclables are diverted from landfills or the ocean.

His hard work and consistency have earned him the respect and support of the community. Restaurants and bars are eager to collaborate with Rama, knowing that their waste is being responsibly handled. This collaboration has become a win-win for both parties: the businesses reduce their environmental footprint, and Rama gains a steady source of materials for his recycling efforts.

Taking Recycling to Lombok: The Next Step in Sustainable Business

Once a week, Rama’s rice bags full of plastic bottles and metal cans are transported to Lombok, the main island, where they can be properly recycled. Gili Air, like many small islands, lacks the infrastructure to process recyclables, so sending them to Lombok is the best option. By facilitating this transportation, Rama ensures that the waste collected on Gili Air doesn’t simply end up in a landfill or, worse, back in the ocean.

This effort is no small feat. Transporting recyclables to Lombok requires time, coordination, and resources. However, Rama’s determination to see the waste repurposed and recycled motivates him to keep pushing forward, despite the challenges.

A Role Model for Young Entrepreneurs

Rama’s initiative is an inspiring example of how a young person can start a business with minimal resources and a strong vision. What began as a simple act of volunteering has grown into a full-fledged waste collection and recycling operation, benefiting both the environment and the local economy.

Rama’s business is still in its early stages, but his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to improving his community are clear. He not only addresses the immediate problem of waste management but also demonstrates the potential for local solutions to global issues like plastic pollution.

The Future: Expanding the Impact

Looking ahead, Rama hopes to expand his waste collection network further across the island and even inspire others to follow in his footsteps. He envisions a cleaner Gili Air, where plastic bottles and metal cans are routinely collected and sent for recycling, significantly reducing the island’s overall waste.

There is also potential for his business to grow beyond just recycling. As more people become aware of the environmental issues facing Gili Air, Rama could expand into other areas of waste management, perhaps even creating educational programs for locals and tourists about the importance of reducing plastic use and recycling.

Conclusion: A Local Hero Making a Global Impact

Rama’s story is a testament to the power of individual action. His efforts on Gili Air show that even in a small community, one person can make a significant difference. By turning waste collection into a business, Rama has not only helped clean up his island but also created a sustainable model that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

At just 23 years old, Rama is a true local hero, proving that with determination and creativity, anyone can be a force for positive change. His journey is far from over, and as his business grows, so too will his impact on Gili Air and beyond.