Discover 4 Sustainable Lifestyle Tips from DBS Foundation
Many of us still have habits like using single-use plastics, burning trash, or forgetting to turn off the lights during the day. These seemingly trivial habits actually have serious consequences for the environment. Some of the negative impacts that may arise include ecosystem damage, species extinction, and various health problems.
Unconsciously, we often remain the main contributors to various environmental issues. The recent Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2024, could be the right moment to raise awareness about our role in preserving this planet, including the environment.
There are many things we can do to start a sustainable lifestyle to prevent further environmental damage. This lifestyle can be started at any time without having to wait for Earth Day. Let's take a look at the following four easy tips to become an Earth hero as quoted from the DBS Foundation website on Friday (3/04).
1. Sort inorganic and organic waste
Sorting waste is not just the responsibility of sanitation workers, as we can all contribute by separating our trash. Often, piled-up waste becomes unused items, yet behind them lies great potential to save the planet. Inorganic waste such as plastic containers, glass bottles, and scrap metal can be processed into new usable products like bags and accessories, wall decorations, and household furniture. Meanwhile, organic waste such as kitchen leftovers, food, vegetables, and fruit peels can also be processed into compost and animal feed.
2. Stop burning waste
"Burning waste contributes to air pollution, so avoiding this activity is a simple effort that individuals can make in their daily lives to prevent worsening air quality," explained Co-founder & CEO Nafas Nathan Roestandy.
3. Use environmentally friendly alternative products
Replacing the use of environmentally friendly alternative products is a long-term investment to ensure the well-being of our planet and future generations. Moreover, eco-friendly products are often produced using more sustainable technologies and raw materials, thus helping to extend the lifespan of limited natural resources.
In 2024, the DBS Foundation awarded a grant of SGD 710,000 or approximately IDR 8.2 billion to four Indonesian social enterprises (SE) through the DBS Foundation Business for Impact Grant Award Programme 2023. These four SEs, namely Liberty Society, Magalarva, Nafas, and PLANA, were selected for their innovative solutions in addressing environmental and social issues such as air pollution, plastic waste, and women empowerment. The grant aims to help these selected SEs enhance their positive impact and inspire other SEs to contribute to building a more sustainable future.
Mona Monika, the Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia, stated that in this modern era, sustainable lifestyles are becoming easier to adopt. By incorporating meaningful small habits, we can create long-term positive impacts.
"Furthermore, with more young people caring about the environment, like the founders of social enterprises Liberty Society, Magalarva, Nafas, and PLANA, we can leverage the products and services they offer as part of our efforts to support a more sustainable lifestyle," she concluded.
