One of the main problems on earth today is the amount of waste that has accumulated. According to data from the World Bank, in 2020, the amount of waste generated in the world reached 2.01 billion tons. This number is expected to increase to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. One of the reasons for the accumulation of waste on earth today is the lack of optimal waste management. According to data from the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), in 2022 the amount of national waste will reach 21.1 million tons. Of the total waste, 65.71% (13.9 million tons) can be managed, while the remaining 34.29% (7.2 million tons) has not been managed properly.

            Waste accumulation can cause various problems, such as environmental pollution, flooding, and climate change. Waste that is disposed of carelessly and not managed properly can pollute the soil, water and air. In addition, waste that is not managed properly can also cause flooding, as it can clog waterways. Waste can also be one of the causes of climate change, as it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Not only does it have a significant impact on the environment, the accumulation of waste also has a negative impact on human health as waste has the potential to become a source of disease. Therefore, it is very important for us to manage our waste properly. Here are 5 ways to manage waste better:

1. Sorting waste

Segregating waste is the first and most important step in managing waste properly. By sorting our waste, we can reduce the amount of waste that has to be disposed of in landfills, thus helping to reduce the accumulation of waste. Waste can be divided into two types, namely organic waste and inorganic waste. Organic waste is waste that comes from living things, such as food scraps, leaves, and twigs. Organic waste is very easy to decompose naturally. Inorganic waste is waste that comes from inanimate objects, such as plastic, paper, and metal.  This type of waste is more difficult to decompose. The two characteristics of these types of waste are very different, so the way to manage them is also different, therefore the two types of waste must be sorted.

2. Implementing the 3Rs

3R stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The 3Rs are the basic principles in waste management. The 3Rs principle is very simple and can be done by anyone because it does not cost a lot of money. However, make no mistake, these very simple 3Rs have a significant impact on reducing waste production and optimizing waste management.

• Reduce is an effort to reduce the amount of waste produced. We can reduce the amount of waste by reducing the consumption of unnecessary items, by using recyclable products, and by avoiding using and buying products that produce large amounts of waste.
• Reuse is an effort to reuse items that are no longer used. We can reuse used items, such as biscuit tins to store crackers, save and reuse plastic bags repeatedly until they cannot be used, or we can also use the empty side of the paper to write. By reusing, we do not waste used items into waste, so that waste production can be reduced.  
• Recycling is an effort to recycle waste. Unused waste can be reprocessed into new raw materials. Recycling is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of waste that must be disposed of in landfills. For example, non-organic waste such as plastic bottles can be made into eco bricks or other craft works, cardboard can also be processed into useful items such as decorations and storage. In addition, organic waste can also be recycled into useful products such as compost.

3. Processing organic waste into compost

This way of managing organic waste is an example of recycle. Waste that was useless can be turned into compost that is more useful. Processing organic waste can be done by the community independently because the processing method is not difficult. It only takes a few steps and approximately 2 weeks to turn organic waste into compost. To make compost, organic waste must be collected first, and chopped into small pieces, approximately 1-2 cm. Then, the waste that has been chopped into small pieces must be allowed to sit for 2 weeks in a tightly closed basin or bucket. This process serves to decompose the waste. The decay process usually takes a long time, so the waste can be added with EM4 solution to speed up the decay process. The decay process must also be carried out in a closed container so that the decay process is maximized and evenly distributed. During the 2 weeks, you must stir the fertilizer in the bucket every 3 days. From the results of sitting and decaying organic waste, it will produce wet and dry fertilizer. This compost fertilizer is very useful for the agricultural sector.

4. Reduce waste according to your ability and condition

This method is included in the 3Rs series of activities, where to reduce the accumulation of waste, of course, we also need to reduce waste according to our abilities and conditions. Nowadays, more and more people are aware of environmental issues including excessive waste production. So, there are now a lot of innovations in environmentally friendly products that can be used to reduce waste production. For example, bringing and using your own shopping bags that can be used multiple times when shopping. When shopping for raw materials such as vegetables, chicken, fish, or other food needs, you can bring and use your own container to reduce the use of excess plastic bags.

5. Waste Bank

A waste bank is an institution that manages inorganic or dry waste by collecting, sorting, and recycling waste. Waste bank institutions are called "banks" because they use banking-like management. However, the transaction is not with money, but with waste. Through waste banks, people will 'save' waste. The waste will then be weighed and calculated into money that can be withdrawn by the depositor. Some waste banks also not only use money as a substitute for garbage, but also in the form of groceries. Waste banks are one of the strategic waste management solutions. With waste banks, community participation in waste management efforts, so that the accumulation of waste is reduced. Waste banks also help the community's economy.

By implementing these steps, we can contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts. By managing waste properly, we not only keep the earth sustainable, but also create a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. Let's implement these measures together to face the global waste challenge!

Author : Fiona Aurelia