Environmental issues are a global problem affecting nearly every country, especially developing nations. When it comes to environmental education, the reality is that society still needs it. Therefore, in addition to education, direct action on the ground is equally important. This is related to the ongoing need for environmentally conscious behavior.
The importance of environmental education to increase public insight is an urgency that deserves support and collective efforts from various parties, including community groups, organizations, educational institutions, industry, and the government.
With this background, in welcoming World Environment Day which is commemorated every June 5, a number of students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) who are members of the Chemistry Department Student Association, carried out a social activity entitled “Chemistry Soft Movement x Green Chemistry” at Ragunan Zoo, Jakarta, Sunday (28/5/2023).
There, they engaged several participants, visitors to Ragunan Wildlife Park, in various educational and inspiring activities. These included a trash collection competition, where participants competed to collect trash scattered around Ragunan Wildlife Park and dispose of it in the nearest trash can. They also participated in a painting campaign to promote the importance of environmental protection. tote bag together, as a symbol of creativity in reducing the use of plastic bags.
“We are holding this social activity to encourage active community participation in protecting and preserving the environment. The focus is more on collective efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness and sustainability,” said Rafa Zahira, the event’s chief executive.
According to him, the commemoration of World Environment Day is an important moment to develop environmentally aware behavior in society regarding the urgency of maintaining, preserving, and protecting the environment.
“This celebration also conveys the essence that every human being has a moral and ethical responsibility in every action taken towards nature and the ecosystem, which is the main supporter of life,” he said.
Rafa explained that more than 20 participants attended the event. To support the eco-friendly campaign, he and his colleagues encouraged attendees to bring their own water bottles to reduce the use of single-use bottles. As a token of appreciation, Rafa distributed free gel drinks to participants.
In line with Rafa, Rizky Alfian, Head of the Social and Environmental Department, who in this case serves as supervisor and director, said that through this activity, he and his fellow students from the Chemistry Department of FMIPA UI hope to provide environmental-aware educational values to the community as a process of mutual adjustment to nature and between fellow humans.
“We hope this activity will educate the public about current environmental issues, enabling us all to adapt reciprocally to nature and each other,” said Rizky.
“By preserving nature and the environment, we respect this planet as our shared home and are committed to ensuring a sustainable, quality life for future generations,” he added.
