The current major environmental problem that affect all over the world is the waste problem, where the waste quantity in our earth keeps increasing day by day. This caused by human habits and activities as the mastermind, source of waste generation, especially for those who apply instant lifestyle. The amount of waste, especially plastic, is the most abundant one compared to other types because it takes hundreds of years to decompose. 

The earth currently needs us to overcome this waste issue. If we don't do anything and keep ignorant about our environmental waste crisis, the consequences will be experienced by the next generation in the future. Utilization of technology can be a solution to this problem, but most importantly this issue can be solved by changing lifestyles. One of the lifestyle concepts in dealing with waste problems is "Zero Waste" or free of waste, many still think that this concept is impossible to do because how is it possible for humans to live without producing waste, even though the purpose of this concept is how do we reduce waste? produced by being wiser in purchasing goods, not being consumptive, and having a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Zero waste is a philosophy of a lifestyle that is applied to preserve the earth by wisely using single-use products to reduce the amount and bad impact of waste. In short, the zero waste lifestyle encourages us to evaluate our current lifestyle by seeing how something or the products we consume can have a negative impact on the environment. Zero waste challenges all of us to evaluate our lifestyle and see how something we consume can have a negative impact on the environment. Convenience comes in the form of cheap, non-recyclable materials that harm the health of our planet and the flourishing of human and animal species around the world. The positive impact of the success of the zero waste movement campaign gave birth to educational content for a minimal waste lifestyle at home, school and office. It doesn't stop there, various online and offline stores that provide environmentally friendly tools, secondhand clothing and refill centers are increasing supporting the growth of a zero waste lifestyle.

There are 5 methods used in the zero waste concept, namely the 5R: : Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. The 5R principle is the guideline for establishing a zero-waste lifestyle and using natural resources wisely. "Refuse" means that we can refuse the use of single-use plastic. For example, refuse plastic bags in supermarkets and bring your own shopping bags. To "Reduce" is decreasing the use of products that produce another waste, especially plastic. Reuse means to use again items that have previously been used, such as using plastic boxes that were used to buy food as a place for cooking spices, containers used for skincare as a place for stationery, and so on. The example of "Recycle" is collecting detergent sachets and turning them into shopping bags. As for "Rot", we can decompose household organic waste into compost which is useful for fertilizing the soil. These 5Rs serve as guidelines to lead to a zero-waste lifestyle so as to create less waste and use natural resources wisely.

Simple steps can be started from ourselves. For example, bring your own shopping bag from home, use reusable straws, choose cloth instead of tissue as a cleaning tool, take advantage of unused items, and separate organic and inorganic waste. Even though it still produces waste, at least separating it will make it easier to manage waste. Organic waste can be decomposed or made into compost. Meanwhile, inorganic waste can be recycled. In the end, the zero waste lifestyle begins with a desire to change consumption habits and invest in society for the sake of the earth and our offspring, and the entire human race.

— Thursday, September 30th 2021 [10:21 WIT]

Written and modified by: Syahidah Charisa Nabila (20) from Indonesia