Earth Day (April 22, 2024) is an opportune time to reflect on humanity's role in sustaining our earth. One of the main issues facing the earth today is the problem of garbage that is accumulating. The act of littering carelessly results in a negative impact not only on the beauty of the environment, but also the health and preservation of nature.

Proper Waste Grouping and Handling

Before discussing the negative impact of waste on the environment, it is important to know the types of waste to be able to sort and classify it, so that it can then be processed appropriately and wisely. According to the material, there are three main types of waste:^1,2

1. Organic Waste

Consists of organic materials that is easily decomposed and rotted, such as food scraps, animal waste, and dry leaves. Organic waste can be processed through the compost process to produce organic fertilizer that is useful for plants.

2. Inorganic Waste

This is material derived from inanimate objects, such as plastic, cans, and cardboard. Inorganic waste can be recycled into new products that have economic value.

3. Hazardous and Toxic Waste (B3)

This type of waste contains substances, components, or other materials that can pollute or damage the environment, such as used batteries and electronic waste. B3 waste must be managed according to the manufacturer's instructions regarding its storage and disposal. One option is to hand over B3 waste to a waste bank that is licensed and able to handle the waste properly.

Negative Impact of Littering:

Littering has become a habit that harms the environment and human health. Here are some of the main impacts to be understood:³

1. Environmental Pollution:

Scattered garbage pollutes the soil, water, and air. The scenery becomes unaesthetically pleasing and the ecosystem is disturbed. Chemicals in garbage damage soil and water, causing harmful impacts in the long run.

2. Threats to Human Health

Garbage becomes a breeding ground for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, rats, and other insects. Causes serious diseases such as dengue, malaria, and other infections.

3. Economic Losses

The cost of cleaning, managing waste, and improving infrastructure due to landfill will burden the government and society.

4. Disease Transmission

Garbage and food waste that are thrown carelessly create a proliferation of bacteria and parasites that can transmit various diseases through direct and indirect contact.

5. Direct Transmission

Humans can contract diseases directly from garbage containing germs, viruses, and parasites. This happens when humans come into direct contact with contaminated garbage.

6. Indirect Transmission:

Landfills become breeding grounds for animals such as flies, mosquitoes, rats, and cockroaches. These animals and insects become hosts for bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans.

 

Simple Steps for a Healthier Earth Day

Let's take care of the earth and human health by implementing actions that seem simple, but have a big impact, below:⁴

1. Reduce

- Avoid using single-use items. Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and food packaging.

- Reduce unnecessary use of energy or resources.

2. Reuse

- Reuse glass or plastic bottles to store drinks or food.

- Reuse waste paper to make notes or memos.

- Repair broken items rather than buying new ones.

3. Recycle

- Separating organic waste and recyclable waste.

- Selling recyclable waste to waste banks.

- Turn trash into new products, such as potted plants or decorative decorations.

 

By responsibly managing waste, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment for us and future generations. On this Earth Day, let us commit together to manage waste wisely and celebrate a planet full of life and supporting the health of the human body.

 

Reference:

1. NestLe , Staff. How to Process Organic Waste Properly and Correctly. Nestle. Last reviewed May 04, 2023. Available on:https://www.nestle.co.id/kisah/cara-pengolahan-sampah-yang-baik-dan-benar

2. Mita Defitri. Distinguishing Organic and Inorganic Waste Based on Decomposition Time. waste4change. Last reviewed August 23, 2022. Available on:https://waste4change.com/blog/mengapa-sampah-organik-dan-anorganik-dibedakan-berdasarkan-waktu-terurai/        

3. Yusrin Eldani. This littering has consequences for human life. RRI. Last reviewed March 25, 2024. Available on:https://www.rri.co.id/daerah/606079/membuang-sampah-sembarangan-ini-akibatnya-bagi-kehidupan-manusia     

4. DLH Ponorogo Team. Apply the 3R Principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in Managing Waste. Dlh.ponorogo. Last reviewed February 16, 2023. Available on:https://dlh.ponorogo.go.id/tips-knowledge/menerapkan-prinsip-3r-reduce-reuse-recycle-dalam-mengelola-sampah/