Photo Source: iStockphoto
Plastic bags have become an inseparable part of modern human life. They are practical and easy to obtain, but they bring serious environmental impacts. Single-use plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, polluting the soil, oceans, and air, and threatening wildlife and human health through microplastics.
Every July 3rd, the world observes World Plastic Bag Free Day—a global movement initiated by the organization Bag Free World to reduce dependence on plastic bags and promote the use of environmentally friendly alternatives.
Indonesia is facing a plastic waste emergency. Data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) shows that Indonesia generates approximately 5.4 million tons of plastic waste every year, making it the second-largest contributor in the world. This issue is further exacerbated by an inefficient waste management system and low public awareness.
According to Ir. Priyendiswara A.B., MCom., a lecturer at the Urban and Regional Planning (PWK) Program at Untar, sustainable solutions can begin with simple actions like waste segregation at home. “Plastic waste that is collected can be sold to recyclers for processing. Additionally, the use of plastic bags should be banned in shopping centers and replaced with biodegradable materials, such as cloth bags or cassava-based bags,” he explained.
More than just technical actions, change also requires a social and policy approach. Public education through Community Service Programs (PPM) is crucial for instilling environmentally friendly habits from an early age. The government is also encouraged to strengthen regulations on waste segregation, disposal, and plastic waste management at the local level.
World Plastic Bag Free Day serves as both a moment for reflection and a call to action. By starting with something as simple as bringing our own shopping bags, we can become part of the change. As emphasized by experts, significant change always begins with small individual steps, strengthened by communities, and solidified through policies that prioritize the future of the planet. (VC/AJ)