By Marlinah Muslim

Earth Day is a day to raise awareness and support for environmental protection, celebrated annually on April 22nd. This year's Earth Day theme, "Planet vs. Plastics," is among the most compelling, yet the issue remains persistent and challenging to address.

In Malaysia, several initiatives have been implemented to reduce and ban the use of single-use plastics as part of efforts to protect the environment. One such initiative is the ban on the use of plastic straws, which effectively apply on January 1, 2019, for food and beverage outlets nationwide. Additionally, a complete ban on single-use plastic bags in all business premises and recreational areas is expected by 2025. These initiatives are not only seen as smart moves to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly alternatives, but they also serve to educate the new generation to be more conscious of environmental sustainability.

Besides raising awareness about plastic usage, the younger generation is also being introduced to proper recycling practices. The concept of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (3R) should have long been taught at all levels of schooling and higher education. However, the question remains—do they fully understand the concept? If we observe places equipped with recycling bins, we’ll still find waste that hasn’t been properly separated. Some waste is mixed, greasy, or includes used tissues—even though tissues and greasy paper shouldn’t be in recycling bins. This challenge is not just due to a lack of knowledge about waste classification, but also due to a reluctance to follow plastic bans, under the assumption that everything can be easily recycled—without understanding the true function and practice of recycling.

Many of us recognize the symbol of three green arrows forming a triangle and immediately associate it with recycling. But what’s concerning is that we often forget the other two essential components of 3R: Reduce and Reuse. We keep producing waste thinking everything is recyclable—a deeply flawed understanding and practice. We keep producing waste without caring where it goes or who has to manage it afterward. What everyone must understand is that Recycling and Reusing are only means to an ultimate goal—Reducing waste in the first place. The real aim of 3R is to achieve Zero Waste. Ideally, there would be no more landfills or final disposal sites filled with tons of waste.

The 3R concept dates back to April 22, 1970, when Earth Day was first celebrated. It was initiated by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who was inspired by the environmental destruction caused by the Vietnam War. From then on, environmental awareness began to grow in the United States, sparking efforts to restore the environment.

From a series of talks and simple surveys among university students in 2018, it was found that many still didn’t know which types of waste could or could not be recycled. I hope that by 2025, there will be increased awareness, considering that Malaysia has already taken many initiatives to overcome the so-called "third-class waste management mentality." Logically, the amount of waste produced increases directly with population growth. If this is not controlled, greater environmental damage will occur. Marine and terrestrial species will continue to be threatened if we do not care about non-biodegradable waste such as plastics, which can take 10 to 1,000 years to decompose. Aluminum also does not decompose easily—it takes 80 to 200 years, while glass can take millions of years or may never decompose at all.

Since the introduction of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)—later improved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—the 3R concept is no longer new. Environmental issues are now discussed in more depth. The United Nations (UN) has urged the world to understand the real reasons why 3R practices must be adopted, including reducing the use of plastics and other waste, with hopes of achieving Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).

Raising awareness among the younger generation about proper 3R practices and waste management must begin from an early age. Ensuring the delivery of knowledge on correct waste management to all generations is crucial for the sustainability and well-being of our country—and the world—in the future.

Image 1: The commonly used 3R logo

Date of Input: 25/04/2025 | Updated: 28/05/2025 | nureedayu