Breath of Life Challenge: My Experiences as an Environmental Volunteer

As an awardee of the Sobat Bumi scholarship from the Pertamina Foundation, it feels like I called to be active in environmental action. Pertamina Foundation, with its mission of "Developing renewable energy and mitigating climate change," has inspired many students like me to participate in order to save the environment.

_{One of their strategies to achieve this mission is to collaborate with over 40 partner universities across Indonesia and select the best students from these institutions, then turning them into environmental activists. Just like they did to me LOL. The image was edited using Canva}

Since joining the NGO Sobat Bumi under the Pertamina Foundation, I have been involved in various environmental activities. Over the past year, as a scholarship awardee as well as a volunteer, I have participated in many projects such as beach and river clean-ups, waste recycling, installing solar panels in remote villages, and waste segregation awareness campaigns for schoolchildren.

I cannot say that I am an ecologist yet, but that is not the end. The knowledge, experience, and perspective I have gained through the years have helped me realize the profoundness of such an effort and the significance of our joint efforts in that matter.

Even though planting trees is not the only way to save the environment, it is an important one that everyone can do their part in, thereby improving the environment around us and making this world a better place to live.

Although planting trees can be instrumental in preserving air quality and providing living for wild animals, there are other significant actions that we should pay attention to as these are among the key elements in reducing pollution and promoting environment preservation. That concerns simply, one action, like proper waste management.

_{According to data from the World Bank, humans generate approximately 2.01 billion tons of waste totally. Of this amount, only about 33% is managed in an environmentally friendly way. Image source from my own collection.}

In Indonesia, data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) showed that in 222, the national waste volume reached 68.7 million tons. Poorly managed waste can pollute soil, water, and air, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate change.

Hence, as planting trees is essential, other actions that are needed to be taken such as all be discarded properly, recycling, and lessen the use of single-use plastics are also necessary.

Through the campaign where I actively participated in the beach cleaning and the one along the rivers I pulled out hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste that was washed up at the shores and rivers. With the lack of action, this waste will be most probably degraded into microplastics and thereby contribute to marine pollution and potentially threaten the life under the sea.

Recycling waste is also a critical step in reducing our carbon footprint. The recycling process helps decrease the amount of waste ending up in landfills, conserves energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, recycling one ton of plastic can save approximately 5,774 kWh of energy, 16.3 barrels of oil, 98 million BTUs of energy, and reduce carbon emissions by 1 ton of CO2. Therefore, raising awareness and encouraging public participation in recycling programs is vital for achieving environmental sustainability.

The use of renewable energy also significant in climate change mitigation. During my participation in the installation of solar panels in remote villages (Pulo Aceh), I witnessed firsthand how renewable energy can bring immense benefits to communities not connected to the conventional power grid.

_{Solar panels not only provide environmentally friendly electricity but also help improve the quality of life by offering access to lighting, education, and information. Image source: My Personal Collection}

Environmental education is not just about imparting information but also about fostering sustainable behaviors and habits.

Environmental degradation and climate change are global issues that require global solutions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by at least 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Individual and collective actions, such as planting trees, managing waste properly, recycling, and using renewable energy, all contribute to global efforts to reduce emissions and protect the environment.

_{In a project of waste segregation awareness campaigns for schoolchildren in Pulo Acej, I realized the importance of environmental education from an early age. Teaching children about the importance of protecting the environment, how to segregate waste, and the impact of their actions on the environment will shape a generation that is more conscious and responsible towards the earth. Image source: My Personal Collection}

One thing we all need to know that the environmental conservation efforts cannot be undertaken by a few people or organizations alone. Active participation from all sectors, including governments, the private sector, communities, and individuals, is necessary.

Policies and regulations that support environmental sustainability, investments in green technology, and public awareness campaigns all have roles in achieving this goal.

As a student and environmental activist, I feel a moral responsibility to continue contributing to efforts to protect the earth. Being part of Sobat Bumi and the Pertamina Foundation has given me the opportunity to learn, contribute, and inspire others. Through the various activities I have participated in, I have seen the significant positive impact we can create when we work together to protect the environment.

I invite all readers to join this movement. You don't need to wait for big opportunities or special events to act. Start with small actions that we can do every day, such as disposing of waste properly, reducing plastic use, recycling waste, and planting trees in your yard. Every small action we take can have a significant impact if done by many people.

Protecting the environment is our collective responsibility. We do it not only for ourselves but also for future generations. We need to work together to create positive change for our planet, 'cause the earth is our home, and it is time we take better care of it.

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Thank you to @hamzayousafzai for kindly tagging me in your post, so I can share my own story by participating in this interesting contest.

To my amazing women Steemians, @asiahaiss @bunda-monteski and @safridafatih, let's share your "breath of life" stories and your experiences in conserving our beloved Earth.

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