Plastic Waste in Modern Era: Developing Plastic Waste Management for Sustainability

Abstract

Plastic waste is the primary concern for many countries worldwide. In Indonesia, the issue remains a problem that requires greater attention. Although several regulations have been implemented to reduce plastic waste, efforts and strategies are essential to maximizing the outcomes of the laws. Plastic waste, if it is not disposed of properly, brings adverse effects on health. By that, the regional government is urged to come up with policies to reduce plastic waste. This paper discussed: First, the issues of plastic and people’s needs for plastic in today’s era. Second, it explored the policies of the regional government in developing a waste management program to combat the problem. The data of this empirical juridical research came from the interview and focus group discussion involving several samples selected purposively.

Addressing the paradox: Why environmental constitutionalism is more than just rights?

“…Human demands typically change and diversify as technology advances. Modernization calls for quick action and quick outcomes [56]. The anticipated outcome is typically one that can be observed objectively.…”

Legislative Omission: Portrait of Regional Waste Management Arrangements in Gorontalo Province-Indonesia

“…The law was published based on the consideration that population growth and changes in people's consumption patterns have also increased the amount, type, and characteristics of waste, as well as the need for legal certainty not only from the aspect of authority and responsibility of the central and regional governments but also the participation of the community and the business world so that waste management can run professionally, effectively and efficiently [8] The use of plastic has become part of the daily activities of the Indonesian people, [7]including single-use plastic products such as plastic bags, paper, cups, foam food containers, straws, etc. [1] Even though it harms the environment and human life, waste management is intended to reduce the negative impact. Policies to limit, reduce and minimize are fundamental, but law enforcement is also needed as a repressive effort [9]to optimize waste management.…”

“…The problem of waste is a national problem that needs serious attention, not only because it can affect the quality of the environment, which in turn will also have an impact on the quality of people, but because waste production continues to increase along with the increase in population with its activities in the modern consumptive era [1]. Based on data released by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, waste generation throughout 2022 is more than 20 million tons/year [2]with the composition of the most types of waste including food waste (41.28%), plastic (18, 23%), wood/branches (13.13%), and paper/cardboard (11.22%) and the rest of the other types, namely glass, rubber/leather, cloth, and metal [3]The high amount of waste, especially the type of plastic waste, which currently reaches 3.70 million tons/year by Jenna R. Jambek, is predicted to increase to 7.24 million tons/year in 2025.…”

“…Previous research includes Plastic Waste in Modern Era: Developing Plastic Waste Management for Sustainability, which focuses on policies limiting the use of plastics, such as using mineral water bottles and plastic bags. [1] Another article is about the Imposition of Sanctions to Support Plastic Waste Restriction Policy, a study focusing on sanctions aspects of plastic waste management. Although this study looks at aspects of regional regulations in Gorontalo Province, it is limited to sanctions provisions that must be applied effectively to limit the use of plastic waste [6]Finally, research on Plastic Waste Management: Comparison of Regional Legal Policies focuses on comparing the regional regulations of Gorontalo Province with Bali Province, which concludes that the existence of regional regulations in the two provinces is adequate but needs to be implemented properly and responsibly [7]Unlike the previous three studies, this study describes the existence of districts/cities in Gorontalo Province that have not formed regional regulations on regional waste management to date, even though the Waste Management Law has expressly ordered them and has even provided a limitation of 3 (three) years since the law was promulgated.…”

Good Environment as Part of Human Right: A Case Study on Plastic Waste Post Pandemic

“…One of the existing contemporary environmental problems is related to plastic. Modern lifestyles, especially in urban areas, have encouraged a culture of rapid results [2].…”