As part of our Plastic Free July series, we have talked about how you can get started reducing single-use plastics at events, and how some organizations are getting involved. Today we are exciting to conclude the series by putting a spotlight on Sungai Watch, an inspiring environmental organization making waves in the fight against plastic pollution. Their innovative approach to river cleanup offers valuable lessons for those of us in the event management industry striving to create more sustainable events and reduce event waste.

Founded in 2020 by Gary, Kelly, and Sam Bencheghib in Bali, Indonesia, Sungai Watch has grown into a team of over 100 dedicated “river warriors.” Their mission? To stop plastic from entering our oceans by tackling the problem at its source: our rivers.

Sungai Watch’s approach is both simple and scalable. They design and install trash barriers in polluted rivers, effectively intercepting plastic waste before it reaches the ocean. Their goal is ambitious: to place 1,000 barriers throughout Indonesia’s most polluted waterways and expand their efforts internationally.

But their work doesn’t stop at collection. Sungai Watch has developed a comprehensive system for sorting and upcycling the collected waste. They separate materials into over 30 categories, maximizing recycling potential. This systematic approach to waste management is something we at Huddle believe could revolutionize how we handle event waste.

Community engagement is at the heart of Sungai Watch’s strategy. They organize regular education sessions and cleanup events, involving local schools, businesses, and government bodies. This collaborative approach resonates with our belief in the power of events to educate and inspire change.

Since April 2022, Sungai Watch’s volunteer program has logged over 23,210 hours and removed more than 534,728kg of non-organic trash from rivers. These impressive numbers highlight the impact that organized, community-driven efforts can have – a principle we can apply to make our events more sustainable.

Sungai Watch’s sister company, Sungai Design, takes sustainability a step further by upcycling river plastic into beautiful, long-lasting products. This innovative approach to waste management could inspire event planners to rethink how we handle materials used in event production.

As event management professionals, we can really relate toSungai Watch’s holistic approach:

• Identify and target waste sources: Just as Sungai Watch maps pollution sources, we can analyze our events to pinpoint where most waste is generated.
• Implement effective ‘barriers’: We can design our events with strategic waste collection points to maximize recycling and minimize landfill waste.
• Engage and educate: Like Sungai Watch’s community outreach, we can use our events as platforms to educate attendees about sustainable practices.
• Analyze and innovate: By carefully sorting and analyzing waste, we can gain insights to fuel conversations with stakeholders about reducing event waste.
• Upcycle and create value: Consider partnering with local artists or craftspeople to upcycle event waste into valuable products or memorable keepsakes.

Sungai Watch’s success shows that with innovation, dedication, and community involvement, we can make significant strides in combating plastic pollution. As we in the event industry strive to create more sustainable events, organizations like Sungai Watch serve as both inspiration and a model for effective action.

Let’s take these lessons to heart and continue working towards a future where our events not only bring people together but also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.