I’d like to share a wonderful story about an inventor whom lives in Indonesia. But first here is some background information. Indonesia is currently one of the biggest marine plastic polluters in the world; reason being is because the Indonesia’s economy is poor. Since the economy is underdeveloped, business owners have found favor in purchasing one-time plastic to distribute supply rather than demanding for a change to reduce plastic production. Although there are businesses readily able to survive, Indonesian farms are currently unable to send their children to school. Meaning the economy in Indonesia is so poor, Indonesians may rather purchase food that comes in a plastic container rather farmer food because of the difference in expense.
Currently harsh plastics are negatively impacting our ecosystems, as well our atmospheres. Plastic impact our aquatic ecosystems because sea animals mistake microplastics as a source of food. This false perceptive causes a negative impact on the wellness of human beings because we unknowingly consume animals who eat the plastic. Necessary chemicals used to produce plastic are harmful as well, they enter our atmosphere and create more greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases have been present throughout the dawn of time. Greenhouse gases help infuse our atmosphere with its’ ability to breath life. Yet our current greenhouse gas output, causes the long waves emitted from the earth to be omnipotent in the atmosphere. The presence of additional energy in our atmosphere causes higher temperatures that’ll impact the environment negatively, like a possible drought.
Luckily, as mentioned before, there is an inventor who lives in Indonesia. This inventor created an alternative to combat marine plastics called bioplastic. Bioplastics are made up of renewable sources that are biodegradable. Instead of using plastics that could take years to breakdown; this Indonesia inventor uses seaweed to create sachets, cups, burger wrappers as well other usages. This inventors name is David Christian, and he is only 25 years old! His idea not only combats marine plastic pollution but also provide farmers with work.
Not only is Indonesia using seaweed as a bioplastic, but government officials such as Risma (current mayor of Surabaya) is taking additional steps towards mitigating statistic evidence provided by the city, indicating 15 percent, or nearly 400 tones, of Surabaya’s daily waste is plastic (2018, Wire Service Content). In efforts to hopefully be plastic waste free by 2020, residents and commuters are encouraged to use the bus system by recycling 10 plastic cups or 5 plastic bottles, depending on their size, for a two-hour bus fare. These “free” bus rides have helped reduce “50 kg (550 lb) of plastic bottles a day, or roughly 7.5 tons in a month” (2018, Staff). The invested plastic is than auctioned to recycling companies, and the money used helps operate buses as well fund green spaces in the city at the eastern tip of Java.
The human imagination is boundless. With dedication each of us could become the solver of world problems. Many of us may convince ourselves into believing we need resources to achieve our dreams and goals. But, just like a car needs to driver our will to get to places is the gas, during the journey we could allow ourselves to be reminded: “objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” Dear reader, please allow yourself to imagine, and don’t try to be shy, you have a voice. There are ears who will listen.
