Maia Lan

In an era characterized by environmental, economic, and social challenges, achieving sustainability has never been more urgent. Recent studies have shown that the traditional linear economy—focused on raw material extraction, production, consumption, and disposal—generates over 1.47 billion tons of solid waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills, highlighting the inefficiencies of our current waste management systems. Despite advancements in waste management, waste is still a significant issue in many countries. Sustainability aims to balance environmental health, economic growth, and social well-being, ensuring that resources are available for future generations. Within this context, the Zero Waste movement plays a crucial role here by advocating practices like reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, These not only protect the environment but also encourage responsible consumption and community resilience. Therefore, it is crucial to understand Zero Waste within the context of sustainability and how can we adopt a Zero Waste lifestyle while promoting sustainability. This article explores the principles of Zero Waste, explains their role in achieving sustainability goals, and provides practical strategies for incorporating these practices into daily life. Understanding Zero Waste within Sustainability Population growth, resource distribution, and consumption patterns are fundamental in promoting sustainable living. Several researchers, such as Bartlett, claim that "sustainable growth" is a contradiction in terms, as the Earth may have already reached or exceeded its carrying capacity -the amount of population that can be supported in an area without causing permanent damage. This underscores the need of addressing sustainability from environmental, social and economic perspectives. Environmental sustainability seeks to conserve natural resources for future generations while Economic sustainability aims for long-term prosperity without depleting natural resources, balancing growth, resource efficiency, and social equity. Lastly, social sustainability ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities, fostering inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. The Zero Waste approach, according to the Zero Waste International Alliance, is a thoughtful strategy that promotes lifestyles resembling natural cycles. It sees discarded materials as valuable resources and aims to cut down waste through responsible production and consumption practices. By focusing on principles like refusing, reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, Zero Waste helps minimize the amount of waste produced and its harmful effects on the environment and human health. When integrated into sustainability efforts, Zero Waste empowers communities and businesses to address critical challenges such as environmental decline and economic instability. By advocating for a circular economy where products are made for reuse or recycling, we can significantly lessen the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserve precious resources. In conclusion, integrating Zero Waste principles into sustainability efforts is crucial addressing challenges such as population growth, resource consumption patterns. By responsibly managing resources, we can protect our environment, promote economic health, and ensure social equity. Embracing Zero Waste practices isn’t just an individual choice but a collective responsibility that can drive significant change. As we transition to more sustainable lifestyle, we create a healthier, more equitable world for current and future generations. Living a Zero Waste lifestyle goes beyond being a trend—it's a commitment to reducing environmental impact, enhancing economic efficiency, and promoting personal well-being. This comprehensive approach integrates sustainable practices that benefit individuals, communities, and the planet. By minimizing pollution and conserving resources, we actively contribute to environmental sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and alleviating pressure on landfills. Moreover, adopting zero waste practices offers significant economic benefits. It supports local economies by promoting green industries and creating jobs in sustainable sectors. Individuals can save money through mindful consumption and reuse, reducing waste disposal costs and improving overall economic efficiency. This approach not only strengthens local communities but also contributes to a more sustainable and resilient economic model. On a personal level, a Zero Waste lifestyle promotes well-being by encouraging healthier choices and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Emphasizing natural and organic alternatives supports long-term health and builds a sense of community responsibility. By uniting individuals in environmental stewardship, a Zero Waste mindset inspires deeper connections purpose in contributing positively to the world. Core Principes of Zero Waste - “The 5Rs”: 1. Refuse: This principle encourages individuals and businesses to refuse items that are unnecessary or come with excessive packaging. By saying no to what we don't need, we can prevent waste from entering our lives in the first place. 2. Reduce: Focuses on minimizing the amount of waste generated in the first place. This can involve choosing products with less packaging, opting for durable goods over disposable ones, and generally consuming less overall. 3. Reuse: Involves finding ways to use items again instead of throwing them away after a single use. This can include using reusable containers and bags, repairing items instead of replacing them, or donating goods for others to use. 4. Recycle: Recycling involves processing materials that would otherwise be discarded into new products. It's important to sort recyclable materials properly and support recycling programs in our communities. 5. Rot: Rot, or compost, refers to the natural process of decomposing organic waste. Composting food scraps and yard waste returns nutrients to the soil, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and promoting healthier soils. Practical Applications of Zero Waste Principles: Implementing Zero Waste principles starts with small changes in daily habits. Begin by refusing single-use plastics and bringing reusable bags, jars, and containers when shopping. Consider buying in bulk and choosing high quality, durable items and second-hand goods to minimize waste and reduce the demand for new products. Switch to plastic-free alternatives like wood or stainless steel cutlery, bamboo toothbrushes, stainless steel cup and bottle, glass, clay pot, loofah sponges and homemade natural products. Use washable tools, repurpose old clothes as cleaning rags, and recycle packaging where possible. When buying products in plastic opt for plastic that is easier to recycle like Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polypropylene (PP). Plan meals to minimize food waste and compost food scraps and biodegradable items to enrich the soil, promoting a healthy ecosystem and reducing landfill waste. These practical changes directly support environmental sustainability by reducing waste generation, conserving resources and preventing chemical pollution. They also contribute to economic sustainability by reducing waste management costs, creating jobs in recycling and remanufacturing industries and supporting local economies. Over time, adopting a Zero Waste lifestyle also saves you lots of money through reusing items, spending smart and reducing consumerism habits. Furthermore, these changes promote social sustainability by addressing systemic injustices, empowering communities, creating economic opportunities, promoting education and awareness, and contributing to global sustainability efforts. Conclusion : The Zero Waste movement stands as a fundamental pillar of sustainability, offering a pathway towards waste reduction and resource efficiency in a world grappling with environmental challenges. Through the principles of refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rot, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also support local economies and promote social equity. Starting with small intentional changes, each individual contributes to a larger collective impact. By embracing Zero Waste, we take ourselves towards a circular economy that respects and preserves our finite resources. As we navigate the complexities of our modern age, committing to Zero Waste isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity for creating a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable world for present and future generations.Writer’s Advice: Adopting a Zero Waste lifestyle may seem challenging at first, but starting with small, manageable steps and seeking support from communities can make the transition smoother. Educating oneself about sustainable practices and embracing flexibility along the journey are crucial for long-term success. Remember, every effort towards Zero Waste contributes to a sustainable future. Web Sources: • (2018) “Zero Waste Definition”. In (ZWIA) Zero Waste International Alliance. Retrieved July, 6, 2024 from https://zwia.org/ • Dunavan, Sandra. (2007) “Sustainability”. In Encyclopedia. Retrieved July, 6, 2024 from https://www.encyclopedia.com • (June 14, 2023) “The 3 Pillars of Sustainability: Environmental, social and economic”. In Enel. Retrieved July, 10, 2024 from Enel.com • “What is Waste Management, steps, methods and advantages”. In Natural Energy Hub. Retrieved July, 10, 2024 from Naturalenergyhub.com References: • Hamid, Saima. 2020. Zero Waste: A sustainable Approach for Waste Management. University of Kashmir. • Zaman, Atiq. 2022. Zero-Waste: A New Sustainability Paradigm for Addressing the Global Waste Problem. The Vision Zero Handbook (pp. 1-24) • Bogusz, Malgorzata. 2021. The Concept of Zero Waste in the Context of Supporting Environmental Protection by Consumers. University of Agriculture in Krakow. • Pietzsch, Natalia. 2017. Benefits, Challenges and Critical factors of success for Zero Waste: A systematic literature review. Waste Management Volume 67. • Valenzuela-Fernandez, Leslier. 2022, Zero-Waste Management and Sustainable Consumption: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Mapping Analysis. University of Chile. • Bogusz, Malgorzata. 2021. The Concept of Zero Waste in the Context of Supporting Enviromental Protection by Consumers. University of Agriculture in Krakow.

Indonesia, known for its rich culture and stunning natural scenery, is facing an environmental crisis that threatens to destroy its beauty. From rivers and beaches to waterfalls and mountains, waste has become a great enemy. This concern made me go on a unique and transformative journey for me: cycling 10,000 kilometres across the island of Java and Sumatra from October 2020 to October 2021 to learn and educate about waste management. This campaign, known as Zero Waste Gowes, was born out of my passion for travel and the growing trend of ecologically-conscious cycling in Indonesia, often referred to as "Gowes, Go Green."During this journey, I saw a contradiction: many cyclists carried single-use plastic water bottles and ate from plastic containers, contrary to the eco-friendly spirit they promoted. This difference fuelled the campaign's determination to promote real habit change and demonstrate that sustainable living is possible by minimizing, recycling, and avoiding plastic, both at home and on the road.Inspired by this ecological trend, I chose to use a bicycle, a non-polluting mode of transport. Fortunately, a friend lent me a bicycle that had rarely been used, eliminating the need to purchase a new one. To make my journey more environmentally friendly, I repurposed old jerry cans as bicycle bags. Despite occasionally receiving new clothes and accessories during the journey, I choose to repair damaged items and utilize second-hand ones, such as the bicycle tires that needed replacing.This campaign was not only a physical challenge but also a journey of discovery and learning. Over 10,000 kilometres, I visited remote villages, bustling cities, and stunning natural landscapes. Each stop offered a fresh perspective on Indonesia's waste crisis and the potential solutions. To minimize my impact, I carried refillable bottles that were filled at restaurants or water refill stations, also known as "Isi Galon". This not only helped me avoid single- use plastic bottles but also set an example for others.At the beginning of this journey, I didn’t know much about waste management in Indonesia, like many tourists and even local residents. However, through this campaign, I discovered "Waste Banks," community recycling initiatives established by local communities, governments, or businesses. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) in 2021, Indonesia had 11,556 Waste Banks spread across 363 districts/cities, even this number can seem large to many people, these waste banks only reduce waste by 2.7% of the national total. During our journey, almost every village or city we visited included a stop at a Waste Bank, such as in Jakarta, Kerinci, Bengkulu, Aceh, Medan, Cimahi, Yogyakarta, and Blitar. These Waste Banks varied in size and operational history. I located them through Google Maps or the Ministry of Environment and Forestry website, although some listed Waste Banks were found closed, highlighting the complexity of waste management as a business with varying levels of effectiveness and challenges in different regions.Through the trip, I participated in workshops organized by individuals or communities to learn about waste management and also conducted workshops myself. The campaign received coverage from various media outlets including TV, newspapers, and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. The goal was for the campaign to reach all of Indonesia, including places we couldn't physically visit and people we couldn't meet directly. However, I realized that while people listened, deep understanding was often lacking. One of the significant obstacles is the practice of burning waste and littering. The severity of these practices has been habituated by many people. Like one of the experiences I had was when I visited one of (DLH) the Environmental Office and found them burning waste, a practice that is harmful to the environment and that more than half of the Indonesian population chooses to solve their waste problem. In fact, this action is prohibited by law because it is an environmentally unfriendly practice. The regulation is contained in Article 12 of Law No. 18 of 2008.Unrecycled or burned waste often ends up in landfills, rivers, and other natural environments. In this trip, particularly during visits to waterfalls and lakes—popular tourist destinations—I frequently observed these areas serving as dumping grounds for both local residents and tourists. Even on Mount Kerinci, Indonesia's highest volcano, discarded waste left by visitors was encountered. The primary objective of visiting these natural attractions was to promote environmental stewardship by educating the public on responsible practices through content shared on personal social media channels. In many of these locations, there are small food kiosks selling items in plastic containers. One effective strategy to minimize this waste is to bring our own food and drink containers, which we can use when purchasing items at these venues. Whether heading to the mountains or the beach, preparing food at home and packing it in reusable containers ensures that no plastic is inadvertently left behind. While consuming all brought food should ideally be the goal, any leftovers or food scraps can be either composted at home or disposed of by burying them in designated areas. These efforts align with three of the five principles of "Zero Waste": reducing single-use products, recycling, and composting.Despite the campaign's efforts to adhere to "Zero Waste" principles, the challenge during the journey was the difficulty in declining the generosity of locals, police, and cycling communities who often offered food and drinks in plastic containers. While appreciating their kindness, it often meant carrying the waste until a suitable place to recycle it was found, that’s why often I choose to decline their offer, knowing that what they buy for us probably wouldn’t be recycled afterwards. This challenge became an opportunity for education as the campaign explained the importance of reducing plastic use and how everyone can contribute to a cleaner environment.One of the most rewarding parts of my journey was being able to teach others what I had learned. I hosted workshops, gave talks, and joined community activities where I shared practical ways to manage waste effectively. I was often invited to discuss the importance of saying no to unnecessary items, reducing waste, reusing what we can, recycling, and composting. These discussions took place in various cafes, allowing me to connect directly with people eager to adopt a Zero Waste lifestyle.During a workshop I attended in Pekanbaru in November 2020, I discovered how to creatively repurpose waste, like turning plastic bags into something useful. Inspired by this idea, I brought the workshop to Aceh in February 2021. There, at Rumah Relawan Remaja (Youth Volunteer House), I had the pleasure of teaching children about the value of Zero Waste and showing them how to transform plastic bags waste into colourful banners made from recycled plastic. Seeing their excitement and creativity first-hand was truly inspiring.Final ReflectionThis campaign journey has deepened and expanded the understanding of waste management in Indonesia and the challenges it faces. While continuing to educate through social media, it is recognized as an ongoing challenge as many people tend to blame the government or economic factors for the waste crisis. However, it is believed that change starts with each individual, and everyone has a responsibility to love and protect our planet. It is crucial for Indonesians to care for these islands, and for tourists to realize that what they consume and discard can have a lasting impact on the environment if not properly managed. This responsibility should be a collective concern.Through this journey, it was also discovered that educating and raising awareness among the public about eco-friendly practices, such as refusing single-use products, recycling, and reducing waste, is crucial. We hope this campaign to reach more people and inspire positive changes in everyday behaviours. Thus, this cycling journey not only taught about Indonesia's natural beauty and cultural diversity but also how each person can contribute to protecting the environment for a better future.Web Sources:DITJEN PSLB3 KLHK, 2021. “Rapat Koordinasi Nasional Bank Sampah Ke-6”. Retrieved July 14, 2024 from https://pslb3.menlhk.go.id/Ahdiat, Adi, 2023. “Proporsi Rumah Tangga Indonesia Berdasarkan Cara Utama Pengelolaan Sampah”. Retrieved July 14, 2024 from https://databoks.katadata.co.id/Anur, Cindy Mutia, 2021. “Persentase Desa Berdasarkan Jenis Tempat Pembuangan Sampah keluarga” Retrieved July 16, 2024 from https://databoks.katadata.co.id/2008. “Undang-Undang Republik Indonesia Nomor 18 Tahun 2008 Tentang Pengelolaan Sampah”. Retrieved July 16, 2024 from https://peraturan.bpk.go.id/ Andini, Ayu, 2021. “Hampir 70 persen desa masih membuang sampah di lubang atau dibakar” retrieved July 14, 2024 from https://kanaldesa.com/

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Maia Lan

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Embracing zero waste: A pathway to sustainable living

Cycling 10,000km: Promoting the "zero waste" movement in Indonesia