In commemoration of National Waste Awareness Day 2023, the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia (FEB UI) with SD Semut-Semut the Natural School, Depok, implemented the hands-on learning method to educate students about the circular economy and the importance of sorting waste. The event, which was held on Monday (21/2), began with a presentation by Dean of FEB UI Teguh Dartanto, Ph.D. regarding the potential disasters that could happen due to the accumulation of waste that was not managed properly. Apart from explaining the importance of sorting waste based on its type, on this occasion, Teguh also explained the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, or what is commonly called the 3R.
“Until now, waste is still a serious problem for Indonesia. Piles of waste that are not managed properly will cause disasters, such as environmental pollution; climate change; and threats to humans, animals, and plants. We must care about overcoming this waste problem, one of which is by practicing the 3R principles,” said Teguh.
After giving students a clear picture of 3R, the educative program was continued with demonstration sessions and the practice of waste sorting by the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Unit of FEB UI. Every student at SD Semut-Semut the Natural School was asked to bring plastic bottle waste to be recycled. This session was also enlivened by making creations from plastic bottle caps, quizzes with prizes, and lively chants.
The Person in Charge of HSE and the Supervisor of Cleanliness and Park of FEB UI, Trusti Luraisinita, conveyed that being aware of oneself’s waste as an individual responsibility is a good habit that must be applied and taught from an early age as a culture. She said, “In the hands of these children, the future of the earth will be entrusted. So, let’s start sorting out the trash from the simplest things we can.”
“Plastic bottle waste can be recycled into more useful items, while the bottle caps can be made into various decorations that can be displayed in class,” added Trusti.
Through this educative program, FEB UI, especially the HSE Unit, actively supports Universitas Indonesia’s mission to realize the green campus concept. Furthermore, this is also in line with the faculty’s mission to prepare responsible leaders, both from a social and environmental perspective.
Author: Rifdah Khalisha | Editor: Maudisha
