Unfolding the Change with Tasini

As our 2023 education programme draws to a close, we want to highlight the organisations and partners that supported our efforts to inspire and enthuse the next generation of ocean ambassadors at Lihunu Junior High School. Tasini, a lighthouse project by Making Oceans Plastic Free, is one such initiative.

Tasini are fun resusable bags which fold down into a cute sea creature shaped pouch. Made from recycled plastic bottles, the bags are designed to be a talking point, with each character inspiring conversation and raising awareness about the marine plastic issue. Specifically designed to be eye catching and appeal to Indonesia’s young people, Tasini aims to reduce plastic pollution by making it fun and easy. Each bag is thought to save around 400 plastic bags!

Tasini was set up by Making Oceans Plastic Friends, a collaborative effort by four friends from Indonesia and Germany, all of whom are passionate about reducing marine plastic pollution. Combining their expertise in cultural behaviour, anthrophology, product design and international development, their focus is on developing solutions for behavioral change. Their initiative champions social and ecological entrepreneurship and non-profit programmes, of which Tasini is just one. The Tasini project has been recognised internationally for its innovative approach, and the group are the proud recipients of the United Nations Plastic Pollution Innovation Award!

A fundamental part of Tasini’s action plan is to inspire and engage the youth. Firm believers that change starts with young people, the team were more than willing to support our educational programme which aims to achieve just that! They kindly donated bags for each of the students and we presented them to the group a couple of weeks ago. We explained the importance of reducing singe use plastics and encouraged them to refuse plastic bags when they go to the shop. Since then, they’ve quickly incorporated the Tasini into their day to day routines! We hope that this will inspire others on Bangka to think twice before taking a plastic bag.

A big thank you to the Making Oceans Plastic Free team for their continued support!