'I separate organic from non-organic waste'

The Jakarta Post

Earth Day, which has been celebrated on April 22 since 1970, promotes awareness concerning environmental issues. The Jakarta Post asked residents about ways in which they incorporate environmental awareness into their lifestyles.

Dhani, 26, is an information technology officer. She lives in Slipi, West Jakarta:

I joined an environmental group at my university in Yogyakarta. We often carried out environmental programs such as cleaning up our campus. We cleaned up all kinds of garbage from the campus courtyard as well as campaigning for proper waste disposal.

I also participated in a recycling program held at campus. The organizer asked us to bring along any paper we no longer needed which they later donated to a community who made souvenirs such as picture frames and pencil boxes out of it.

Irene, 24, has recently graduated from university. She lives in Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta:

To be honest, I have never joined any environment-related groups or participated in any environmental campaigns. But I always try to look after the environment by disposing of waste properly. I even separate organic and non-organic waste into different bags.

I also try to live an energy-saving lifestyle. I never turn on my television unless I really want to watch it and I use as little water as possible on a daily basis. I also prefer walking to using a car or motorcycle if I am traveling a short distance. Can this be considered as an environmentally friendly lifestyle?