Plastic Waste

Management
MUHAMMAD YUSUF NIRWANDA
Definition of Plastic Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic
polymer used in a wide variety of applications including packaging
and labeling, textiles (e.g., ropes, thermal underwear and carpets),
stationery, plastic parts and reusable containers of various types,
laboratory equipment, loudspeakers, automotive components, and
polymer banknotes. An addition polymer made from the monomer
propylene, it is rugged and unusually resistant to many chemical
solvents, bases and acids.
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene)
Problem of Plastic Waste in
Indonesia
Production of plastic waste in Indonesia was ranked second domestic
waste producer at 5.4 million tons per year. According to statistics of
Indonesian domestic waste, the amount of plastic waste that is 14
percent of total waste production in Indonesia.

From all the trash that is, 57 percent were found on the beach in the
form of plastic waste. A total of 46 thousand plastic trash float in every
square mile of ocean, even the depth of plastic waste in the Pacific
Ocean has reached nearly 100 meters.
(http://www.antaranews.com/berita/417287/produksi-sampah-
plastik-indonesia-54-juta-ton-per-tahun)
Simple Ways to Minimaize Plastic
Waste
1. Just Say No to Straws
One of the easiest ways to keep plastic out of the landfill is to refuse plastic straws.
Simply inform your waiter or waitress that you don't need one, and make sure to
specify this when ordering at a drive-thru. Can't fathom giving up the convenience
of straws? Purchase a reusable stainless steel or glass drinking straw. Restaurants are
less likely to bring you a plastic one if they see that you've brought your own.

2. Reusable Produce Bags
About 1 million plastic bags are used every minute, and a single plastic bag can
take 1,000 years to degrade. If you're already bringing reusable bags to the grocery
store, you're on the right track, but if you're still using plastic produce bags, it's time
to make a change. Purchase some reusable produce bags and help keep even
more plastic out of the landfill. However, avoid those bags made from nylon or
polyester because they're also made from plastic. Opt for cotton ones instead.

3. Give Up Gum
Gum was originally made from tree sap called chicle, a natural rubber, but
when scientists created synthetic rubber, polyethylene and polyvinyl
acetate began to replace the natural rubber in most gum. Not only are
you chewing on plastic, but you may also be chewing on toxic plastic
polyvinyl acetate is manufactured using vinyl acetate, a chemical shown
to cause tumors in lab rats. While it is possible to recycle your gum, it may
be best to skip it and its plastic packaging altogether.

4. Buy Boxes, Not Bottles
Buy laundry detergent and dish soap in boxes instead of plastic bottles.
Cardboard can be more easily recycled and made into more products
than plastic.

5. Return Reusable Containers
If you buy berries or cherry tomatoes at the farmers market, simply bring
the plastic containers to the market when you need a refill. You can even
ask your local grocer to take the containers back and reuse them.
(http://www.womansday.com/life/5-easy-ways-to-reduce-plastic-waste-119826)
Plastic Power Plant
Mrs. Zadgaonkar from Mumbai-based Asian Electronics (AEL) has
found the plastic power plant. Mrs Zadgaonkar, who developed the
technology for producing fuel from plastic waste, owns the patent for
her invention. While working as the head of chemistry department in
Raisoni Engineering College in Nagpur, Mrs Zadgaonkar invented the
new method to reuse the hydrocarbons in plastic.
The AEL is planning to set up plants to process plastic waste in eight
countries in Far-East Asia and Brazil. Enviro-Hub has access to nearly
50,000 tonnes waste in each of these markets. Each plant with a
capacity of 12,000 tonnes per annum can be set up at a cost of $12
million. Our estimate is that the plant can generate a revenue of up to
$10-$12 million.


(http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-07-
05/news/28486457_1_plastic-waste-power-plants-ael)
Eco-friendly Plastic
Green Label is a certification given the green eco-friendly products are
considered safe and do not endanger human health.

Among the products that managed to get a Green Label certificate
and Indonesia is Oxium and Ecoplas, environmentally friendly plastic
products produced by PT Tirta Marta. Oxium and Ecoplas successfully
meet all eligibility criteria for the Green Label certified Indonesia from
InSWA.

Plastic bag use Oxium material has proven to can biodegrade about
two years, while for Ecoplas plastic bags that are biodegradable
plastics can biodegrade even in just six months if requirements are met
natural degradation.
(http://health.okezone.com/read/2014/02/03/482/935505/yuk-
gunakan-plastik-ramah-lingkungan)