Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences

Proposal for the Largest Waste Management in Landfills in Indonesia for Environmental Sustainability and Public Health

2025-01-04T16:49:02+08:00

This study examines the impact of waste management policies on public health in Bantar Gebang landfill which faces challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, low community participation, and ineffective policy implementation. More than half of the waste generated is not transported to landfills, resulting in significant health and environmental risks, including respiratory infections, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne illnesses. The research adopts a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the experiences of stakeholders, waste managers, and local communities. It also integrates the Waste Management Hierarchy, Community Participation Theory, and Policy Implementation Model to identify key gaps and propose potential solutions. The study reviews legal frameworks, including Indonesia’s Presidential Regulation No. 97 of 2017, and specific regulations relevant to the site, evaluating their effectiveness in addressing waste and health issues. The findings highlight the need for stronger public education campaigns, increased investment in infrastructure, and the implementation of advanced technologies such as Waste-to-Energy plants. The study stresses that comprehensive policies on waste reduction, improved segregation, and better recycling practices are critical for achieving sustainable waste management. Additionally, greater inter-agency collaboration and active community engagement are essential for ensuring successful implementation. Drawing on experiences from Tokyo, Stockholm, and Berlin, the study suggests strategies to reduce landfill dependence and improve public health.

Assessing Megathrust Earthquake Probability, Public Stress, and Government Policy Recommendations in the Mentawai-Siberut Region, Indonesia

2024-12-22T11:51:37+08:00

This study aims to assess seismic hazards and develop effective mitigation strategies for the Mentawai-Siberut region in Indonesia. The research uses quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze historical seismic data, predictive models, and stakeholder perspectives. The quantitative analysis includes seismic hazard estimation using the Gutenberg-Richter formula, ground movement analysis based on GMPE, and time interval calculations to forecast future earthquakes. Qualitative methods involve Policy Network Theory to explore the roles and interactions of various stakeholders in disaster management, including government agencies, theIndonesian Archipelago Youth Association (NGOs), local communities, and academic researchers. Findings reveal significant seismic activity in the area, with historical earthquakes of magnitudes 8 and 9 occurring at intervals of 18 to 232 years. Predictions suggest a potential magnitude 8 earthquake around 2083, with a megathrust event likely around 2123. The study also identifies economic costs and losses, with damage from a megathrust estimated between USD 1.5–2.5 billion and 10-20 billion, including destroyed homes and displaced populations. Challenges include infrastructure limitations, logistical constraints, and enhancing disaster preparedness and response. The study emphasizes the importance of improving infrastructure, strengthening disaster preparedness, and updating early warning systems. Effective collaboration among stakeholders and integrating local knowledge into disaster management strategies are crucial for enhancing regional resilience. Recommendations include completing infrastructure projects like the Trans-Mentawai Road, increasing community engagement, and utilizing scientific data for evidence-based policymaking. Addressing these recommendations and limitations is essential for developing a robust disaster management framework to mitigate regional seismic risks.

Consumer Attitudes and Purchase Intentions Toward Eco-Friendly Agricultural and Food Packaging: A Case Study in Chungnam Province, South Korea

2025-01-12T13:15:45+08:00

This study aims to the factors influencing consumer intention to purchase eco-friendly, small-packaged agricultural products using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). With increasing demand for sustainable consumption, eco-friendly food packaging has become a critical focus within the circular economy. This study was conducted in Seoul, South Korea, a key marketplace for consumer trends, and surveyed 200 respondents to examine key TPB components—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—along with additional factors shaping sustainable purchasing behavior. The findings indicate that perceived behavioral control is the predictor of purchase intention (β = 0.510, p < 0.001), followed by attitude (β = 0.236, p < 0.05) and subjective norms (β = 0.199, p < 0.05). Moreover, the results suggest that while social influences play a role, individuals who perceive fewer barriers and have a stronger personal attitude toward sustainability are more likely to adopt eco-friendly purchasing behaviors. These results highlight the importance of consumer autonomy and confidence in making eco-friendly choices, suggesting that increasing accessibility and affordability of sustainable packaging can drive adoption. Despite social influences, urban consumers prioritize personal values and perceived control over purchasing behavior. The study might contribute to sustainability literature by offering insights into eco-conscious consumer behavior and implications for marketing strategies that promote sustainable agricultural products. Future research should explore cross-cultural comparisons and additional psychological determinants to enhance the understanding of sustainable consumption patterns.

A Review of Skills Gaps in Africa’s Waste Management Sector: A Case Study of Nigeria and Ghana

2024-12-25T09:46:51+08:00

The waste management sector plays a vital role in environmental sustainability and public health. However, it faces significant challenges due to a multi-dimensional skills gap that hinders the effective management, processing and disposal of waste. Effective waste management requires increasing levels of technical expertise, analytical proficiency, behavioural skills and digital competence. However, one critical point of concern is the lack of requisite technical skills required for the optimal operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery used for waste management and disposal. Using desk research and focus group interviews of stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana, we analyzed the skills gap in the sector in order to identify the skills that are currently short in supply in both countries. Our study revealed three broad skills need areas: (1) Skill requirements for youth employment in the waste management sector; (2) Machineries, technologies and tools used for waste management; and (3) Technical skills requirements for green waste management. The study concludes with a mapping of technologies and skills in the waste management sector while highlighting the impact of the existing skills deficit on the sector’s effectiveness and how it can be addressed through structured technical training programs for stakeholders in the sector.