Education
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the issue of plastic pollution, and how I feel about this issue based on my personal background and experiences.
We provide a range of educational materials, including videos and articles for all age levels, to help you learn more about this important topic.
All of these resources are available on this page.
From the basics:
What is plastic pollution?
What are the causes?
Plastic is a very useful material because of its hygienic properties, durability, cost effectiveness, and lightness. However, these conveniences have led to a widespread culture of single use plastics, where the materials have a product lifespan of minutes, but they stay in the environment as waste for hundreds of years. The plastic waste that ends up in the environment is the plastic pollution, and it causes much ecological damage, such as harming marine life, endangering marine biodiversity, and leading to negative health impacts when consumed by humans. Even if plastic waste is incinerated instead of being accumulated in landfills, it can accelerate global warming through the release of greenhouse gasses.
From my perspective: How are Japan and Indonesia different in their stances to environmental issue?
System
The trash disposal system is more organized in Japan, but recycling rates are low.
Single-use culture
Both have an excessive single-use plastic culture although worse in Japan. Japan has a culture of presentation and respect and puts great care into hygiene. Everything you buy is meticulously wrapped in multiple layers of plastic.
Public awareness
Japan has a low awareness of plastic pollution because its effects are not felt in daily life. In Indonesia, although more people feel the impact, the economic status of the country makes it hard for the population to care about the environment, because they are more focused on economic growth.
Empowerment
Japan has a disapproving attitude towards activists, while Indonesia is more open to it.
Visible plastic pollution: Worse in Indonesia, because plastic wastes fill up the streets and beaches.
From my perspective: So what is needed in a country like Japan?
More public awareness about plastic pollution is needed. Japanese citizens do not feel the effects of pollution in their daily life because of the very organized disposal system and clean mindsets of Japanese people. They are not usually the ones that would feel the most economic consequences when pollution gets worse, as they are less reliant on primary commodities as a source of income. However, as pollution becomes a growing global problem, it is important for citizens around the world to be aware of this issue. Especially for Japanese citizens with a single-use mindset, living in a country that sends plastic waste to developing countries, their actions can change the world. More awareness would gradually reduce the disapproving attitude towards activists as people are more aware of the urgency of the issue. I hope to deliver reality in the developing world to citizens of countries like Japan so that they are more aware of the issue.
Introducing my science research #1 for solution of plastic pollution
I did a research on degradation of polyurethane by lipase, to find the best condition of enzymatic degradation of microplastics.
In the hopes to implement this process as a part of sewage treatment, I did this experiment on the water - suspended polyurethane.
I hope to continue this research to find more specific optimal conditions and also to determine the products of degradation.
Introducing my science research #2 for solution of plastic pollution
I did a research on degradation of different types of plastics by mealworms.
Utilizing organisms allow for a more sustainable solution to plastic pollution, because they can be integrated into the ecosystem and degrade plastics for a long time.
I hope to continue this research to find the impact of this process on the ecosystem, by assessing the impact on animals that prey on mealworms.
Introducing my science project #3 for solution of plastic pollution.
I developed two kinds of bioplastics from starch and banana peel. It was really easy, and was a really enjoyable experience.
Making the material stronger is definitely necessary for social implementation, but this is a step towards a sustainable materials.
By reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and utilizing biodegradable materials, bioplastics offer several environmental benefits. They break down more easily in natural conditions, mitigating the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. As a result, they have the potential to reduce the harmful impact on marine life and ecosystems.