Eco Bhinneka Banyuwangi held ‘a visit to the river’ or famous called as ‘Besuk Sungai’ for the third time at Kali Baru, Siliragung, in conjunction with the National Waste Awareness Day 2024 with the theme “Overcoming Plastic Waste in Productive Ways.” The Youth Community of Eco Bhinneka Blambangan (Among) took the initiative to tackle plastic waste in the river and turn it into ecobricks. (21/02/2024)
Handling plastic waste needs innovation by converting or processing it into useful goods. Plastic waste is a type of waste that does not decompose easily. Ecobricking is one method of managing plastic waste by putting it into a container or bottle with a full and solid filling. Ecobricks are not meant to destroy plastic waste. However, this method is an effort of the 3Rs (Recycle, Reuse, and Reduce).
Mahatma Adi, Chairman of the AMONG community said that the action was participated in by 32 interfaith youth, a collaboration with Merdeka Sampah, The Sub Regional Board of Nasyiatul Aisyiyah Siliragung, and environmental cadres of the Vocational High School (SMK) Muhammadiyah 8 Siliragung. SMK Muhammadiyah 8 Siliragung is a school assisted by Eco Bhinneka. “We hope with this ecobrick, the waste in Kali Baru will not end up in the ocean. The trash destroys the river and sea ecosystems. Let our young people be today’s heroes for the environment,” continued Mahatma who is also active in the Hindu Youth organization.
In this activity, volunteers are encouraged to bring scissors and used plastic bottles. The way the ecobricks are made is by first collecting plastics in the river area and then washing them. The plastic waste is cut into pieces and then put into a plastic drink bottle. It is hoped that the bottle can be filled densely and fully with plastic waste from the riverbank. Each ecobrick is weighed to get the same weight.
Zahrotul Janah from Merdeka Sampah PWNA East Java and secretary of AMONG community invited young women to be actively involved in environmental action. “By going directly, women also have the experience to feel that the garbage hanging on the trees by the river can be garbage from our house, the end is like this. In the future, we want to have an audience with relevant officials to jointly handle waste management. Above this, there is an illegal landfill and it caught fire some time ago. Of course, it is not only the location that is needed. But also education and we are ready to be part of that.” Zahro said.
In this Besuk Sungai, it appears that more and more plastic waste is stuck in trees measuring 1-2 meters that grow in the middle of the river flow. If the tide is high, the plastic waste will be carried by the river and end up in the sea. According to research, plastic waste kills 1.1 million animals in marine habitats. Of course this phenomenon cannot be ignored, the threat of waste is real. The utilization of ecobricks can be for chairs, landslide barriers, and some have even made houses as a substitute for bricks or blocks. Plastic is a material that is difficult to decompose, it takes tens or even hundreds of years.
Author: Zahro
Editor: Dama
