Sam Bencheghib: Turning the Tide on Plastic Pollution Through Grassroots Activism

Snapshot

Sam Bencheghib is an environmental activist and entrepreneur dedicated to combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainability. As the co-founder of Sungai Watch, he has been instrumental in cleaning rivers in Indonesia and raising global awareness about environmental issues.

Early Life and Education

Born in France, Sam moved to Bali, Indonesia, at the age of seven. Growing up in Bali, he witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of plastic pollution on the environment. This experience ignited his passion for environmental activism. He pursued his education in environmental studies, equipping him with the knowledge to address the pressing environmental challenges he observed.

Career

In 2009, Sam, along with his siblings Gary and Kelly, initiated a weekly beach cleanup movement in Bali, aiming to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste. This initiative laid the foundation for their future endeavors in environmental conservation. In 2014, they founded Make A Change World, a media and production company focused on raising awareness about plastic pollution through video series and expeditions. Their efforts gained significant attention, leading to collaborations with organizations like Parley for the Oceans. In 2020, Sam co-founded Sungai Watch, a non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning rivers in Indonesia, which annually dump an estimated over 1 million metric tons of trash into the ocean.

Sustainability Highlights and Focus

Sungai Watch:

Under Sam’s leadership, Sungai Watch has installed over 300 floating barriers in rivers, removing 5.2 million pounds of trash, primarily plastic waste. The organization has also established 10 facilities to sort collected trash for potential recycling. Employing 150 people, Sungai Watch plans to expand its operations to rivers in Jakarta. 

Ocean2Ocean Run:

In 2019, Sam undertook a 3,000-mile run across the United States to raise awareness about plastic pollution and the need to protect oceans. The journey, which began in New York and ended in Los Angeles, highlighted the global impact of plastic waste and garnered international attention.

Recognition:

In 2023, Sam was featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list, acknowledging his significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability.
Through his innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment, Sam Bencheghib continues to inspire global efforts in environmental conservation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and sustainable practices in addressing plastic pollution.