RIAU — In an effort to protect the earth and overcome climate change, Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer (DDV) Riau held an action to exchange plastic waste for tree seedlings on Sunday (22/09/2024) at the Car Free Day Arena, Pekanbaru City. The action, which was held together with various environmental organizations/communities, raised the theme “My Earth, My Responsibility”. The event was held to commemorate the 37th World Ozone Day which falls on September 16, 2024.
In this action, the collected plastic bottles were exchanged for 1,000 tree seedlings of various types. Starting from durian, jengkol, matoa, pulai, and mahogany. In addition to plastic bottles, people were also very enthusiastic about exchanging various other types of plastic waste such as food packaging, plastic bags, and straws to be processed into totebags or tumblers. This activity is a form of increasing public awareness of the importance of reducing the use of single-use plastics.
“We are very enthusiastic about being able to contribute to environmental conservation efforts, especially during the commemoration of World Ozone Day. This action of exchanging waste for tree seedlings is one of the tangible forms of our concern for the earth,” said Nurul, Coordinator of DDV Riau.
The exchange of plastic waste for tree seedlings also highlights the challenge of climate change. According to Nurul, it is rare to realize that plastic waste contributes to the decline of the ozone layer through its greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, these greenhouse gases also cause global warming. Thus, causing hot weather due to an increase in the earth’s temperature.
The tree seedlings that had been distributed were then planted in locations with fertile soil, such as garden areas, urban green spaces, schools, or home grounds. This mass planting activity involves all action participants and the surrounding community, so that it is expected to increase the sense of ownership and concern for the environment.
After the planting activity, DDV Riau and its partners plan to regularly monitor the growth of the tree seedlings. In addition, they will also hold regular environmental education activities to increase public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.
The action of exchanging waste for tree seedlings proves that environmental conservation efforts can be done by anyone and anywhere. With the spirit of gotong royong and concern for the environment, everyone can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable environment for future generations.
According to data released by NASA, climate change is one of the most pressing issues today. The average global temperature has increased by about 1 degree centigrade since the late 1800s. The WMO even said that 2020 will be the hottest year on record, with an average global temperature of 1.2 degrees centigrade above pre-industrial levels.
As a consequence of climate change, the earth has experienced 15-20cm of sea level rise since 1900. Arctic polar ice has even lost about 75% of its thickness since the 1980s. The IPCC predicts another increase of 26-82cm by 2100.
Other impacts of climate disasters, such as storms, wildfires and floods that are increasing in frequency and severity, have and will result in significant economic losses and human suffering. Meanwhile, impacts on biodiversity have resulted in up to one million species facing extinction due to human activities, including climate change. In addition, according to NOAA sources, coral reefs that support a quarter of all marine species are also experiencing mass bleaching events due to rising ocean temperatures.
It is imperative that individuals, organisations, and governments work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and protect natural ecosystems. DDV Riau along with other organisations took a decisive step by holding an action to exchange plastic waste into tree seedlings.
In this activity, DDV Riau together with various parties, including BKIM FEB UNRI, YES Indonesia, HMPS IAT UIN SUSKA RIAU, FIM PEKANBARU, AIRELS UIR, and BPDAS Indragiri Rokan, stated that they would firmly reject environmental pollution, both on a large and small scale. All action participants then signed a commitment to protect the earth from damage.
This waste exchange action also received a positive response from the community. Many residents enthusiastically participated and appreciated the initiative taken by DDV Riau and its partners. The message that DDV Riau wants to convey is to invite the entire community to care more about the environment and play an active role in efforts to address climate change. With simple actions such as reducing the use of plastic and planting trees, humans can contribute to preserving the earth for future generations. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar, DDV Riau
Editor: Dhika Prabowo