Indonesia ranks 4th as the largest food waste producer in the world, generating 20.93 million tons, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2021. This figure represents 41.5% of the total waste in 2022, based on the waste composition graph by type on the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) website. Food waste not only negatively impacts the environment but also contributes to the food crisis due to the high amount of food resources that are not properly produced and utilized.
According to waste4change.com, organic waste produces harmful leachate, which can degrade the quality of the soil and water around the waste. In the long term, piles of organic waste also generate methane gas, which, if stored in enclosed conditions without enough sunlight and oxygen, can pose fire and explosion hazards. Additionally, the disposal of organic waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change. Managing organic waste needs to be a priority to reduce negative impacts on the environment and climate.
One of the commitments of Yayasan CARE Peduli (YCP) is to reduce the impact of climate change through its pillar programs and holistic approach, fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG Number 2: Zero Hunger and SDG Number 13: Climate Action. To achieve this commitment, YCP has established a system for sorting organic waste, which is then processed into organic compost, and created a nutrient garden in the yard of the YCP office in Jakarta. This effort practices environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture while strengthening food security and nutritional fulfilment.
“The seepage of wet organic waste into the soil can contaminate groundwater. This can be prevented by processing organic waste into compost, which can then be used to enhance soil nutrients,” said Agus Tri Wahyuono, Program Manager of YCP.
Furthermore, Agus expressed that the efforts in managing organic compost and nutrient gardens aim to inspire and motivate YCP employees to be more environmentally and health-conscious about the food they consume. “We contribute to the world, to our planet. Climate change has already had a significant impact, and we can contribute. Hopefully, these efforts will ignite a new spirit in us. A Green Office means green in our hearts too, so that our hearts become cleaner – together we advance Yayasan CARE Peduli,” explained Esti Andayani, YCP Board of Patron, during the Halal Bihalal gathering (3/5).
Abdul Situmorang, CEO of YCP, explained that these efforts are not only setting an example for the surrounding environment and all office employees in Jakarta but also symbolize YCP’s ongoing growth towards greater improvement. “Greening the office is not just about managing organic waste but also reflects YCP’s commitment to continue growing and making a greater positive impact on the environment and the surrounding community,” he concluded.
Writer: Nurainy Darono, Editor: Swiny Adestika
