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Transforming waste challenges into STEM opportunities
Collaborative projects enable students to apply their learning in real-life contexts, such as designing efficient recycling systems for their schools.
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Garbage in and out: Workers sort garbage on Feb. 6, 2024 at the reuse, reduce and recycle facility and dump site in West Pejaten subdistrict, South Jakarta.
(Antara/Khaerul Izan)
I
n recognition of National Waste Care Day on Feb. 21, a pivotal moment arises for educators and teachers to intensify their commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, leveraging the pressing issue of waste management as an innovative and dynamic teaching resource.
This approach not only cultivates critical STEM habits of mind among students but also actively engages them in understanding and mitigating the detrimental effects of waste on our environment. The integration of waste-related topics into the Indonesian curriculum, particularly through initiatives like Kurikulum Merdeka (Curriculum of Freedom), allows educators to implement a dual-impact educational strategy: enriching students' learning while simultaneously empowering them to become proactive agents in addressing the escalating waste crisis.
Indonesia is grappling with a severe waste management crisis, marked by an alarming increase in waste generation and insufficient handling capabilities. In 2023, the Environment and Forestry Ministry reported that the country produced around 17.44 million tonnes of waste annually. This amount is equivalent to the weight of approximately 348.8 million adults, assuming an average Indonesian adult weighs 50 kilograms.
This staggering comparison highlights the enormity of Indonesia's waste problem. A significant portion, about 33.53 percent or 5.85 million tonnes of this waste, is unmanaged, leading to substantial environmental and health hazards. The majority of the waste, around 44.69 percent, comes from households, with leftover food comprising roughly 40 percent.
The disposal of such large quantities of organic waste in landfills is particularly concerning due to its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
Furthermore, the challenge is exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure. The limited availability of landfills, recycling centers and waste-to-energy plants is insufficient for effectively tackling the growing waste issue, underlining the need for urgent and comprehensive measures.
Integrating waste management into STEM education is crucial for equipping future generations with the essential skills and knowledge to innovatively tackle waste-related challenges. This integration fosters environmental consciousness and nurtures proactive change-makers, both locally and globally.
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