Waste has become a polemic and has a big impact on the environment and even the world’s climate. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHLK), there are around 18.2 million pieces of waste piled up each year. These emissions result in pollution with the amount of 1.6 million tonnes or 5% of global emissions.
Seeing this condition and in commemoration of “National Waste Care Day”, Universitas Indonesia through the Technical Implementation Unit for Environmental and Occupational Safety and Health of UI (UPT K3L UI) also contributed by making a short video and social media posters as a form of education. This content contains explanations about the types of waste, the sorting and processing of waste, and the impact of waste on the environment as well as ways to reduce waste.
Waste is divided into several types, including organic, inorganic, and hazardous and toxic waste. Organic waste, such as food scraps and leaves, can be decomposed easily, while inorganic waste, which is usually in the form of plastic, metal, and glass, is difficult to decompose because it takes a long time. Finally, there is the hazardous and toxic waste category which consists of used batteries, resin waste, used packaging, used oil and electronic waste. Waste segregation is intended to ease the recycling process and prevent environmental pollution.
In waste management, each waste has a different process. Organic waste is processed into compost for plants. Inorganic waste in the form of bottles, packaging, and plastic are collected in a waste bank and then recycled into bags, pots, and wallets. In the case of hazardous and toxic waste, physical, chemical, and biological treatment is required, such as combustion and stabilization.
This waste problem can be overcome and prevented by reducing waste, one of which is “Zero Plastic”. This campaign is a collaboration between UPT K3L UI and student organizations. In practice, this campaign is aimed at minimizing the use of plastic and switching to eco-friendly alternatives. This makes the entire UI big family responsible for sorting plastic waste and helping to minimize plastic use.
The short video can be viewed at https://www.instagram.com/reel/Co6M_LnId4x/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Author: UPT K3L UI | Editor: Maudisha
