Green consumers' organization established

JAKARTA (JP): A new consumers organization focusing on the environment was established last month. The goal is clear: to establish a society of consumers with environmental awareness.

It is called the Indonesian Green Consumers Organization or Yayasan Lembaga Konsumen Hijau Indonesia (Lemkohi). Green is the representative color of the environment, but not everybody knows that. Syafei Kadarusman, a director of the organization, was surprised when a university student asked whether it had something to do with the United Development Party -- a political party which happens to have a green flag.

"I was startled with the question," he said. "He is a student, but knew nothing about green consumerism."

Kadarusman was aware that many people do not know what green consumerism is, but he did not expect a university student to be unfamiliar with the term.

Two weeks after the organization was set up, it held a half- day discussion on green consumerism in observance of Earth Day, which fell on April 23. It sent 300 invitations to businesspeople, students, activists, and some government officials. Kadarusman was disappointed when most of them did not show up.

Water in plastic cups was distributed. At the end of the discussion, the invitees were asked to place the cups near the door, but nobody listened.

"It is their business," a student commented, leaving the plastic cup under his seat.

The target of green consumerism is students and the middle class, because they are relatively better educated than those who are poor. Those who are poor will likely find it difficult to join the movement, because they often don't have the option of choice which comes with being financially secure.

The organization is planning to hold consumer training for students beginning in July. In the meantime, the organization's executives are building on their own strengths.

Volunteers

"Some of us are working as volunteers at YLKI, the Indonesian Consumers Organization, and some others are taking a course on Environmental Impact Assessment at the University of Indonesia," Kadarusman, a former Environmental Impact Assessment consultant, said.

He said that the green consumers organization will not only hold campaigns on green consumerism for consumers, but also for producers as well. Many consumers and producers alike do not have an adequate environmental awareness.

Even though the green consumers organization has just been established, green consumerism is not really new here. Sunoto, a staff member of the assistant to the minister of environment who is in charge of business matters, said that green consumerism began to take hold in the country during the early 1980s. The activists included Erna Witoelar, a former director of the Indonesian Consumers Organization.

"The government warmly welcomes the establishment of the green consumers organization, because we realize the importance of public participation in the preservation of the environment," Sunoto said.

The green consumers organization was set up by 13 young people who are concerned with the deteriorating environment. They realize that continuous efforts should be made to preserve the environment and to support the implementation of sustainable development. As the quality of life among some Indonesians is improving, the organization believes that it is time to develop green consumerism concepts.

The organization deals with issues of green consumerism, including ecology, water, marine life, environmental law, housing and the environmental problems related to industry.

In the wake of trade liberalization, green consumerism has become important. There is a high demand for ecolabeling to ensure that the products are environmentally friendly. Indonesia will be left behind if it does not follow the rules of the game.(sim)