Meet Cannucciari Paola, a consultant of the environment and conservation. Paola has been in Indonesia for more than two decades, and since 2006 with ecoBali; the organization that has a zero waste vision and help us all to grow in order to achieve this goal.
Where are you and what is your background?
I'm Italian. I am a veterinarian by education, but my passion has always been conservation and environmental issues and programs and developing projects to facilitate these issues. I went to Indonesia 23 years, since 1990. I wanted to work outside Europe and my first job was here in Papua for two and a half years and nine years in Sumatra. I was involved in the conservation and sustainable use of wildlife with a national program supported by the UN and of course, the Indonesian government. Since 2003, I began to be gradually involved in waste management programs, both in Indonesia and other Asian countries.
What led you to Bali?
In fact, I came to Indonesia to do my job. I did not come for holidays or as a tourist. I hung by the atmosphere and the people. During my work in Sumatra I met and married a Balinese. We started to diversify our interests. I became more interested in other environmental issues such as waste management and we decided to come and live in Bali. The first couple of years has allowed me to focus on being a mother to my son and consultant for several foreign NGOs on environmental issues.
How did you get involved with ecoBali?
A very good friend of mine named Paolo with a friend and committed environmentalist Ibu Cat ecoBali founded in response to the problem of waste increasingly in Bali. I started working with them right away, and in 2006 became an official ecoBali operation. Paolo also has an educational and professional background in this field. People are sometimes confused because we have similar names! Our manager Ketut Mataadi always had a great interest in preserving the environment. We wanted to offer a service that allows people to separate waste and promote better use of waste through recycling and composting, while ensuring that the residue is disposed only in legal landfill. We wanted to change the state of mind; the approach of how to deal with waste not messy and does not burn. Education is part of our service.
Tell me more about ecoBali.
We started with the service and developed other programs related to solutions to reduce waste. Our team has grown with the number of customers and the number of trucks. We began recycling waste and launch education programs in schools with games and fun activities to get the next generation involved and educated. We also began a long-term collaboration with Tetra Pak Indonesia to begin the collection and recycling of Tetra Pak are now 100% recyclable. In addition to the waste collectors, we involved the local and international schools, as well as many hotels in collaboration with Bali Hotel Association.
What is the process to start composting?
By composting organic waste, over 50% of waste is transformed into rich top soil and does not end up in landfills creating harmful gases, especially when it is placed in plastic garbage bags, which the Western as well as locals. To start composting, it is easy; we first go inspect the premises, and as needed we install systems that are different for food scraps and garden clips (is to ensure that food scraps are processed correctly and efficiently) . We provide bins and installation, a starter kit and tracking. It is a very easy system.
What happens to non-degradable waste?
EcoBali provides garbage bags (reusable) and pre-sorted waste is partially in the household. Then we collect and waste is brought to our sorting center where all recyclable materials are sorted into more detailed categories. Most recyclables go to factories in Java, but we prefer whenever more local solutions. We work with a local paper manufacturer and the cycles used bottles to recycled glass.
Bali inspires people to create positive change programs. Why is that happening mainly here
Bali has a culture that respects nature ?; a culture that attracts people for many reasons. It is internationally Indonesia. The right people at the right time, right place creates opportunities to meet like-minded people, Indonesians and foreigners, to do something good for everyone. It is very positive because it creates examples on local levels, which can be implemented throughout the country and the world.
What a person or a family can do to help the environment?
Create your own commitments. Recycle and compost. Have conscience. Be aware of what you are buying; how much you earn. Everyone is responsible. We can not just point the finger. We must start with ourselves and look around at what we can do. Many people have businesses here and that is a good place to create change. Look at your business and how it treats waste. Involve your employees positive changes to a working environment and more sustainable life.
trash is the biggest environmental problem we have in Bali?
There is a big problem and it is very obvious. It is in our face every day and everywhere we go. Our trash requires attention and appropriate strategies. However, from an environmental perspective, the availability of fresh water and use is a very big problem. It is a global problem and everyone knows about it; like energy. I believe that there is still not enough individual consciousness and therefore very little action. Compared to water, we have a lot of waste clean-up initiatives, but few who engage in better efficiency and water management.
Do you think there is hope for real change?
Yes, of course! It takes time to change systems and it should be a collaboration of several entities. There is a whole new generation of young Indonesians who are committed and want to see real change and are very active at many levels. Change has that passion and motivation for action. Radical change requires economic and decision-making, and we see many groups begin to engage at all levels to address these challenges.
What is your dream for a better future for the environment?
revolution! No more waste, all reinstated in a perfect cycle and designed to be that way. There will be new systems of production and consumption. This would mean participation from industry and tourism, as well as locally. In Bali, I would like to see improved quality of life, particularly for all residents, but also for visitors and tourists. Some newcomers here are very disappointed with our reality. We need to create more bike and walking areas. It will take a serious commitment by everyone, farmers to large companies. Solutions are born of need. The time for dramatic change is here now!
Paola Thank you! To contact Email info@eco-bali.com