Turning Plastic Pollution into Opportunity: How the R.O.L.E. Foundation Empowers Communities

by Masami Sato

You probably have some sense of the magnitude of plastic pollution.

Let me share the staggering statistic with you: every year, up to 10 million metric tons of plastic waste enter our oceans.

That 10,000,000 tons accounts for 80% of all marine pollution. It’s the equivalent to a truck full of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute.

It’s clearly an understatement to say that it ‘threatens’ marine ecosystems, coastal economies and the health of communities around the world. It’s wiping them out. The challenge is immense, but amidst the crisis, inspiring solutions are emerging — solutions like those pioneered by the R.O.L.E. Foundation in Bali.

The Global Plastic Crisis

The statistics are sobering:

  • As you read this, over 150 million metric tons of plastic are already floating in the world’s oceans.
  • By 2050, it’s estimated that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight.
  • Coastal regions are hit hardest, with island communities facing not only pollution but also economic and social challenges linked to waste mis-management.
The devastating reality of plastic pollution: 7 common plastic pollutants that wreak havoc on our oceans and marine life.

This is the backdrop against which the R.O.L.E. Foundation operates. Founded with the vision of creating sustainable and empowered communities, this Bali-based organization tackles the problem of plastic pollution through a holistic approach that combines environmental action, education, and economic opportunity.

A Personal Encounter with Change

Recently, the B1G1 team had the privilege of visiting the R.O.L.E. Foundation’s Zero Waste Center in Bali. It was an eye-opening experience where we learned firsthand how small, mindful actions can make a big difference. We participated in activities that connected us deeply to their mission, including:

  • Soap Recycling Workshops: Understanding how discarded soaps from hospitality businesses can be collected, sanitized and then redistributed to communities in need—reducing waste and promoting hygiene.
  • Seed Ball Creation: Crafting seed balls that help spread vital trees and plants to restore ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.
R.O.L.E. Foundation recycles used hotel soap in Bali. Here you can see it being made into new soap that will be distributed to orphanages and village schools all over Indonesia.

These experiences highlighted the importance of re-thinking waste and left our team inspired to incorporate more sustainable practices into our daily lives and work.

Beyond Beach Cleanups

We also joined one of R.O.L.E. Foundation’s beach cleanups and removed over 200 kilograms of plastic waste from a small stretch of coastline. While the physical cleanup is vital, the Foundation’s vision goes far beyond that. They focus on:

  • Empowering underprivileged youth: Through their occupational training programs, young people are equipped with skills for careers in the hospitality industry, a cornerstone of Bali’s economy.
  • Educating communities: Workshops and training sessions raise awareness about sustainability and equip local residents with the knowledge to reduce waste and protect their environment.
  • Fostering economic opportunity: By connecting participants with jobs in high-end hospitality businesses, the Foundation not only uplifts individuals but also embeds sustainability awareness into Bali’s tourism industry.
From seeds to seed balls: Empowering communities to restore ecosystems and maintain biodiversity.

Stories of Transformation

One of the most inspiring moments was meeting a young woman named Mira enrolled in R.O.L.E. Foundation’s training program. For her, the program was more than a pathway to a career; it was a way to inspire her community and protect the island she calls home. Stories like hers are a testament to the power of combining education with opportunity.

The Impact of B1G1 Partnerships

Through our partnership with the R.O.L.E. Foundation, B1G1 members have contributed to creating meaningful change. Together, we have:

  • Supported over 5,000 children and young adults through educational workshops.
  • Removed more than 20,000 kilograms of waste from Bali’s beaches.
  • Facilitated training programs that have helped hundreds of individuals secure meaningful employment in sustainable industries.
Masami and Mira, a young woman enrolled in the R.O.L.E. Foundation's Bali WISE training program, which empowers underprivileged youth with skills for careers in the hospitality industry.

Each project not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also creates ripple effects of positive change in local communities.

The Bigger Picture

Imagine if every challenge we face could be seen as an opportunity — an opportunity to reflect, innovate, and act. The R.O.L.E. Foundation’s work reminds us that even the most overwhelming issues, like plastic pollution, can be tackled through collective action and scalable solutions.

B1G1 is proud to partner with changemakers like the R.O.L.E. Foundation, who empower communities to tackle plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future.

How You Can Help

Change starts with small steps — simple steps like these:

  • Reduce single-use plastics in your daily life.
  • Support organizations like the R.O.L.E. Foundation that are creating lasting impact.
  • Use your business as a force for good by embedding acts of kindness into your operations.

At B1G1, we’re proud to partner with changemakers like the R.O.L.E. Foundation and the businesses that make their work possible.

If you’re ready to join the movement, visit us at b1g1.com and discover how small actions can lead to a world full of giving where everyone thrives.

Interested in becoming a Business for Good? Talk with us!