Bandung council member urges return to eco-friendly living to cut waste

Nina Fitriana, a member of Commission III of the Bandung City Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), has called on the public to revive environmentally friendly living habits to tackle the city's mounting waste problem. Fitriana suggested that past generations effectively managed organic waste by simple methods, such as burying it in backyard pits. She noted that plastic and paper use was less prevalent then, resulting in significantly lower waste volumes. Daily activities also relied more on natural materials, including using leaves for food wrappers and traditional containers for drinking water.

Fitriana acknowledged that not all these traditional practices are fully adaptable to modern life. However, she believes the principle of self-sufficient waste management remains relevant and can be implemented at the neighborhood level. One proposal is to strengthen organic waste processing at the neighborhood unit (RT) level by creating compost pits, which could reduce the burden on temporary waste disposal sites.

She expressed hope that public awareness regarding waste management at its source would grow, reinforcing environmentally and community-based waste management systems in Bandung. Fitriana stressed that waste management cannot solely rest on the government's shoulders; it requires active community participation to foster a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. She concluded by hoping that the area under the Pasupati Bridge would become more organized, clean, and pleasant for residents through collaborative efforts.