10 Efforts That Can Be Made to Overcome Environmental Pollution

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Environmental pollution has become a complex problem that can no longer be considered trivial because its impacts are felt in various aspects of life, from human health and air quality to the sustainability of the ecosystem.

So, what should humans do to address the environmental issues? Of course, it is not enough to simply be aware of the dangers; real and sustainable action is needed.

Through this article, let’s examine the efforts that can be made to overcome environmental pollution. Check out the full explanation below!

Examples of Environmental Pollution

When the environment begins to be damaged, the impact is not only the scenery that is no longer beautiful, but also the air that is difficult to breathe, the water that is unsuitable for consumption, and the land that cannot be fertilized.

Unfortunately, this condition is not just a concern. It has also occurred in many places and is often caused by human activities themselves.

According to data from the Badan Pusat Statistik, in 2024, more than 11,019 villages and sub-districts in Indonesia were reported to face water pollution. Furthermore, almost 947 villages were affected by air pollution, and nearly 4,754 villages experienced land pollution.

These figures demonstrate that environmental pollution is not only a concern in large cities but also impacts the lives of rural villagers. Seeing this reality, Warga Asri needs to be more aware of the various forms of environmental damage that occur around us.

Well, to better understand the situation, here are some examples of environmental pollution that we should be aware of and immediately address:

1. Water Pollution

Water, which should be a source of life, can be a threat if it is polluted by industrial waste, agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers, and household waste that damages rivers, lakes, and even the sea.

This polluted water not only kills aquatic life but also endangers humans who use it for various purposes, such as households and industry.

2. Air Pollution

When vehicle smoke, factory exhaust fumes, or smoke from burning garbage fills the air, it can worsen the air quality. If this condition continues, it can certainly cause various health problems, ranging from shortness of breath to chronic respiratory diseases.

3. Noise Pollution

Noise from highways, construction projects, or industrial machines is often considered normal. In fact, if the intensity and frequency are high, this noise can significantly reduce the quality of life, leading to impaired concentration, increased stress, and even hearing impairment.

4. Light Pollution

Excessive artificial light at night, especially in urban areas, can disrupt the natural rhythms of nocturnal animals and plants. Additionally, light pollution detracts from the charm of the night sky and can disrupt our sleep.

5. Soil Pollution

When soil is contaminated with detergent waste, garbage, or chemicals, the natural content is spoiled, making it difficult for plants to grow. As a result, the soil loses its ability to absorb water and nutrients.

In addition, polluted soil can also have an impact on human health through food produced from plants that grow in such soil.

Efforts That Can Be Made to Overcome Environmental Pollution

As mentioned in the previous discussion, thousands of villages in Indonesia face environmental pollution, whether it is water, soil, or air pollution. Therefore, we must understand the efforts that can be made to overcome environmental pollution in a real and consistent manner.

The following are efforts that can be made to overcome environmental pollution, starting from simple things that can be done every day to large-scale policies:

1. Managing Waste Wisely

Effective waste management is a crucial foundation for overcoming environmental pollution. Warga Asri can start sorting their waste at home, separating organic and inorganic waste, and recycling while ensuring proper disposal in the designated place.

2. Encouraging the Use of Public Transportation

Switching to public transportation, cycling, or walking can be a solution to environmental pollution. Using public transportation can reduce density and exhaust emissions from private vehicles. Meanwhile, cycling or walking is not only healthy for the body but also helps maintain the quality of the air around us.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that switching from driving a car to active travel (walking or cycling) for trips up to 16 km can reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%.

3. Reducing Electricity Consumption

Furthermore, Warga Asri can reduce their dependence on electricity by utilizing natural light from sunlight during the day and turning off electronic devices that are not in use, reducing the environmental burden.

4. Developing Industrial Waste Disposal Policy

The industry drives the economy, but without proper waste management, its impact can be fatal to the surrounding environment. Therefore, a strict and controlled waste disposal system is necessary to prevent water, soil, and air pollution from occurring.

5. Expanding Green Areas

Planting trees is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a natural way to combat environmental pollution by absorbing pollutants and producing clean oxygen. Therefore, the more trees are planted, the cleaner the air we breathe.

6. Protecting and Restoring Forests

Maintaining forest sustainability is not only about reforestation but also involves selective logging, preventing forest fires, and monitoring to prevent excessive exploitation, as well as helping to restore damaged ecosystems.

7. Building Domestic Liquid Waste Treatment Facilities

If domestic liquid waste is directly disposed of into rivers or the sea, the garbage can pollute the water and endanger the living things in it.

With the existence of waste treatment installations, such as septic tanks or domestic IPALs (Indonesia Wastewater Treatment Plant), hazardous substances can be processed and disposed of safely, thereby preventing damage to the surrounding environment.

8. Controlling the Quality of Materials from the Start

Materials used for production should have passed environmental standards to prevent the production of hazardous waste. This method can prevent pollution from the start and make production results safer for humans and nature.

9. Tightening Environmental Monitoring

Regular environmental checks are essential so that any pollution can be immediately identified and addressed. In addition, with this strict supervision, it is hoped that all parties will take greater responsibility for preserving nature.

A simple way to do this is to create an environmental monitoring team and establish a routine monitoring schedule. Additionally, you can join an ecological care community near your home to participate in the regular cleaning program.

10. Getting Used to a Sustainable Lifestyle from an Early Age

Educating people about the environment can be done through schools, social media, or community activities to increase public awareness of the impacts of daily habits. In addition, the involvement of community leaders can also help spread positive messages, making them more widely accepted by various groups.

One way to adapt to an environmentally friendly lifestyle is to participate in the #AksiAsri Operasi Semut initiative from Indonesia Asri. Operasi Semut educates all parties on how to sort waste wisely before disposing of it, using the hashtag #pilahsampah.

The hope is that the community can manage waste by the principles of a circular economy, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Those are examples and efforts that can be made to overcome environmental pollution, starting with small daily steps at home.

If you care about the future of the Earth and want to be part of the solution to environmental pollution in everyday life, let’s join Indonesia Asri!

Here, you can participate in various exciting campaigns and challenges, such as #SiPalingSustainable, which invites you to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by taking simple actions.

Register now and start your steps as a Warga Asri who actively preserves the environment!