Dr. Zakianis, S.K.M., M.K.M., a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Health at the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI), shared how to manage waste with the UI community through the “Waste Management Webinar in the University of Indonesia Campus Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic”. The webinar, organized by the Technical Management Unit (UPT) of Safety, Occupational Health and Environment (K3L) of Universitas Indonesia on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, was held online through the Zoom Meetings platform. More than 60 participants attended and listened to the material presented.
Doctor Zakianis delivered his material entitled “Wisely Manage Waste at the University”. There are several points that Dr. Zakianis conveyed in his presentation. Starting from the reasons why waste must be managed, how to manage household waste, protection of janitors, cleanliness of equipment and waste containers, and special processing for hazardous waste. “Every day we produce waste, so we must know how to manage it so that it does not damage the environment and manage it so that it can improve the quality of life,” said Dr. Zakianis at the beginning of her presentation. Given the pandemic conditions, Dr. Zakianis emphasized a lot on medical waste, such as masks and PPE. Zakianis also reminded the participants to always damage masks before throwing them away so that they would not be misused.
So, what exactly is the relationship between waste management and higher education? Students have an important role as agents of change and are expected to initiate waste management programs. “Students are expected to be agents of change so that they can be an example for the surrounding community. UI students are also expected to contribute to this waste management program,” said Dr. Zakianis. At UI itself, it is noted that paper and plastic waste still dominates in 6 (six) faculties, namely the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Economics and Business, Faculty of Computer Science, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The existence of a waste management program is expected to improve public health, improve environmental quality, and make waste a useful resource.
This webinar is expected to increase good knowledge and awareness for each individual in relation to waste management. In addition, it is also hoped that this webinar can accelerate the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Point 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), Point 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production), and Point 13 (Take Urgent Action to Combat), as well as UI GreenMetric assessment in terms of waste. (BK)
