Thursday, October 24, 2024. Airlangga University in Surabaya hosted the SDGs Festival. Ecoton Foundation participated as a partner in the SDG’s (Suistainable Development Goals) Innovation Booth Exhibition.
This time, ECOTON presented a booth with the theme “Exhibition Human Plastic.” The theme was inspired by numerous findings that human organs have been contaminated by microplastics, including the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, urine, testicles, sperm, skin, and breast milk. Most alarmingly, microplastics were discovered in the amniotic fluid and placenta of fetuses.
Based on polymer testing of microplastics found in the human body, the highest percentages are 35.79% PET (single-use plastic bottles), 19.38% PS (styrofoam), 14.38% PVC (pipes), 13.11% Other (sachets), 12.98% PP (bottle caps, microwave containers), 2.31% LDPE (plastic bags), and 1.58% HDPE (personal care containers).
Rafika Aprilianti, head of the microplastic laboratory, explained:
“Microplastics have been found in the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, breast milk, placenta, brain, sperm, testicles, blood vessels, and skin—essentially in all major human organs. If no efforts are made to limit the consumption of single-use plastics, we are facing the threat of becoming a ‘lethargic generation’ by 2045, rather than a golden generation,” said Rafika Aprilianti.
The presence of microplastics can become a ticking time bomb for human health. While the dangers are not immediately visible, microplastics gradually infiltrate our bodies, even reaching fetuses in pregnant women. Plastics are composed of 16,000 chemical compounds, many of which are endocrine disruptors, potentially leading to long-term health issues such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, and other hereditary diseases.
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments or particles smaller than 5 millimeters. Indonesians consume the most microplastics globally, averaging 15 grams per month, equivalent to one ATM card. Microplastics are now found in nearly every organ in the human body, disrupting overall health.
Many students from Airlangga University visiting the ECOTON exhibition booth were learning about microplastics for the first time and were surprised to find out that microplastics can enter the human body. Giga, a political science student at Airlangga University, remarked, “This is my first time learning about microplastics, and it turns out they are extremely harmful to the human body, even reaching the brain. Reducing single-use plastics needs to start with us, and there must be consistent regulations across Indonesia to limit plastic usage.”
ECOTON aims to educate visitors about the dangers of microplastics. Aligned with the goals of the event, ECOTON strives to encourage visitors to actively participate in reducing plastic waste. The SDG’s Festival 2023 addresses several key goals, including Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being; Goal 5: Gender Equality; Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation; Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; Goal 13: Climate Action; Goal 14: Life Below Water; Goal 15: Life on Land; Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Real action to reduce single-use plastics is critical for both health and environmental sustainability. Every individual plays a crucial role in reducing plastic footprints by opting for eco-friendly alternatives such as carrying reusable water bottles, using cloth bags, and supporting products with recyclable packaging. Reducing single-use plastics is not just a small step in cutting down pollution—it is a significant investment in safeguarding future generations from the increasing threat of plastic toxins.
Ecoton (Ecological Observation and Wetlands Conservation) is a foundation focused on the conservation of river ecosystems and wetlands in Indonesia. We conduct scientific research, environmental education, and awareness campaigns to improve water quality and protect biodiversity.
