Indonesia is a country with stunning natural diversity and abundant culture. But behind it all, there is a problem that has never been resolved and has become a significant issue for the country: The waste problem. According to research led by Jenna Jambeck, Indonesia produces 3.2 million unmanaged waste and around 1.29 million waste ends up in rivers or the sea. Along with rapid population growth where Indonesia has more than 270 million people and is ranked 4th as the most populated country, the volume of waste also continues to increase, exceeding the capacity of existing management infrastructure. This causes people to throw their rubbish where it shouldn't be. As a result, many negative impacts are felt, such as environmental pollution, disease, and climate problems.

Until now, the waste problem has not been resolved and is a heavy burden for Indonesia. Many methods have been used but do not produce maximum results. One of the main factors that triggers the growth in waste volume is people's ignorance of the environment. This indifference is caused by people who do not understand the importance of protecting the environment. Apart from that, a lack of awareness of the negative impacts of consumptive behavior and littering also makes this situation worse. With the population continuing to grow and excessive consumer behavior, waste production will increase and result in fatal problems.

Waste management is also one of the causes of waste being an ongoing problem in Indonesia. Insufficient infrastructure and facilities mean that waste is left unmanaged. This lack of waste management is a challenge for us, young initiators who will try to overcome this problem for a sustainable future. Therefore, we are making a small step through a social project to overcome the problem of waste and environmental sustainability in Indonesia.

Small steps to become environment friendly:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Reduce consumption, reuse items whenever feasible, and recycle materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. This helps cut down on waste and preserves valuable resources.
2. Conserve Energy: Turn off lights, appliances, and electronics when not in use (usually Indonesians forget to turn off their ACs so check on that!). Use energy-efficient light bulbs and utilities, and consider investing in renewable energy sources like solar panels if possible. One tip is to make a reminder on your phone.
3. Go Paperless: Opt for digital communication, like emails and online portals, and billing to reduce paper waste. Use reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, lunch boxes, and straws instead of disposable ones.
4. Support Eco-Friendly Products: Select products with minimal packaging, constructed from recycled materials, or certified as environmentally friendly. Additionally, prioritize locally produced goods to decrease carbon emissions from transportation.
5. Practice Sustainable Eating: Consume fewer meat and dairy products, which have higher environmental footprints, and incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet. Buy organic and locally grown produce when possible.