'Saving the planet starts at home'

In observance of World Environment Day, which fell on June 5, The Jakarta Post asked residents for their views on recycling.

Mendy Andriana, 21, studies at the Library and Information School, University of Indonesia. She lives with her family in Ciputat, Tangerang:

Saving the planet can start in your own home. The simplest way is to reuse things, such as storing craft materials in shoe boxes or using the back side of printed paper rather than throwing it out.

Another way to help is by buying environmentally friendly or recycled goods, which is something I try to do. It's a small contribution that can make a huge difference.

Yulius, 27, is an environmental activist. He rents a room in Setiabudi, South Jakarta:

I think it's not enough to talk about problems and formulate solutions. It's time to walk the talk -- time for action.

We should separate our garbage into organic and inorganic waste so recycling is straightforward. We should also start using refill products, which would mean that less and less glass bottles or plastic bottles were produced.

--The Jakarta Post