In commemoration of World Environment Day, Darya-Varia held an educational initiative titled the General Learning Program, carrying the theme: “Plastic: Friend or Poison? Understanding the Dangers of Plastic and Starting Waste Sorting.” This program was organized as part of the Company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and was facilitated by Agung Supriyadi, Head of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE). The session explored in depth the impact of plastic on human health and the environment, as well as the importance of responsible waste management.

🔍 Plastic: An Invisible but Serious Threat

According to the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN), in 2024, plastic waste accounted for 19.64% of total waste in Indonesia, making it the second largest waste component after food waste.

Despite this, public awareness remains low. The use of plastic is still high, and combined with poor habits such as littering, plastic waste continues to be a recurring issue with no end in sight.

⚠️ Plastic Is Toxic to Humans

Did you know that plastic carries real and serious health risks?

- Chemicals such as BPA and phthalates can disrupt the endocrine system and cause hormonal imbalances.

- Exposure to microplastics and heavy metals can damage the nervous system.

- Microplastics that enter the body can accumulate in organs and trigger the growth of cancerous cells.

- Toxic substances from plastic waste or recycled plastic can lead to kidney and liver dysfunction.

🌏 Plastic Is Toxic to the Environment

Plastic not only harms our bodies but also the planet we live on. Its impact includes:

- Soil and water contamination

- Destruction of ecosystems

- Methane emissions from open dumping sites, a greenhouse gas that damages the ozone layer

- Microplastic pollution that contaminates the food chain, especially through marine animals consumed by humans

Darya-Varia invites everyone to better understand the real dangers of plastic and take proactive steps in waste management—starting with the 5Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle.

1. Refuse
Avoid single-use plastics. Choose natural, eco-friendly alternatives, as plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose—unlike organic materials.

2. Reduce
Minimize the use of products that are likely to become waste. Only use what you truly need.

3. Reuse
Re-use materials whenever possible to prevent them from turning into waste and ending up in landfills.

4. Repair
Fix or restore broken items for continued use instead of buying new ones. This helps conserve natural resources, which are increasingly limited.

5. Recycle
Recycling is a key component of waste management. It involves transforming waste materials into new products and giving items a second life rather than discarding them.

Reducing plastic use through the 5R approach is an essential first step in protecting the environment. However, without individual awareness and active participation, real change cannot happen. That’s why it’s crucial for us to understand the consequences of unmanaged waste—especially plastic. These impacts not only harm the environment, but also endanger public health and social well-being. “Let’s begin with ourselves, start with the simplest actions, and gradually move toward greater change,” concluded Agung Supriyadi, HSE Head.