War on waste ventures to Bali

AUSSIE surf legend Stephanie Gilmore has partnered with Corona, Parley for the Oceans and the World Surf League to donate 20,000 reusable bags in support of Bali’s plastic bag ban, which will be rolled out in two months’ time.

Indonesia is the second-largest contributor of plastic pollution in the oceans after China, with about 10 million plastic bags circulating the country each day.

Limited edition bags from the World Surf League store will see proceeds fund the donation of three additional bags to the local community and the removal of more than 20 bottles worth of plastic.

The bags were designed by Stephanie Gilmore, Gabriel Medina and Rosy Hodge in partnership with artists Nadia Hernandez, Speto and Gemma O’Brien respectively.

The long-term goal is to donate one bag to every household in Bali.

“The ocean was my first love and I’ve become increasingly aware of the need to protect it from plastic pollution,” Gilmore said.

“Collaboration and creativity are key to creating the change we want to see and that’s why I am excited about this partnership with Corona, Parley and Nadia. The bag we’ve created is so much more than just a way to avoid single-use plastic. It is a personal message from me to the world about the importance of this topic.”

As part of the initiative, Corona launched the inaugural “La Casa” pop-up, a house made from 1.5 metric tonnes of recycled plastic.

The house will be used as a platform for surfers, artists and leaders to work on meaningful projects. Corona Better World director Evan Ellman said the house is a positive reminder that plastic can be given a purposeful second life.

“The La Casa platform is about collaboration and creativity to energise the fight against marine plastic pollution,” he said.

“In this case, Corona and our partners Parley and World Surf League, were inspired by the movement to ban single-use plastic in Bali and recognised an opportunity to support the transition.

“Just as impressive are the talented collaborators who signed on to bring their voice and point of view to the project. The result is a product that is not only a symbol of change, but also has a significant impact on the environment and community.”

La Casa Corona will be at the Corona Bali Protected event in Keramas, Bali, Indonesia until May 25, 2019.

To learn more and purchase a bag visit wslstore.com.