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Burning rubbish: its effects on reproduction and fertility

​Burning waste. Source: Bloomerg.com

Indonesia is facing a crisis. A crisis which sees our health and our environment at risk. Large amounts of waste are being found all over the country and the only alternative for this waste to be eliminated is through burning it. Urgent education is needed, so that people can be aware of the severe health risks associated with it, and for people all around the world to stop producing excessive amounts of plastic. 

According to WHO, (World Health Organisation) burning rubbish has many health impacts. These impacts include reproductive and developmental problems, damage to the immune system, and interference with hormones. It has also been found that it is a potential cause of cancer. All these health effects come from dioxins, which are highly toxic compounds released from rubbish when it is burnt. 

One of the health impacts that should have a prominent focus is on reproduction and fertility. Reproduction in Indonesia should be seen as precious and this is currently being put under threat. The chemicals released from waste that is burned, accumulate in our body and act as a hormone disruptor. Accumulated dioxin in the human body can be transferred through the placenta and chemicals like BPA (bisphenol A) mimic the hormone estrogen, and therefore act as a hormone disruptor.

I recently went to visit Bumi Sehat, an inspirational place created by Robin Lim to care for women, and their right to reproduce safely. One thing that stood out to me, was the value of connecting with our environment and being at peace with the beauty of bringing life into this world. If we fail to treat our environment with respect, we will destroy one of the most sacred gifts to exist, the gift of life. 

Unfortunately, the root of this problem must be considered. Where is all this waste coming from? Why does Indonesia have so much of it, when compared to others? How can we focus on reducing the amount of rubbish produced? The answer to this is found when rubbish is considered on a global scale. America, Australia and The UK all send rubbish to Indonesia. According to BBC news, in 2019, 283,00 tonnes of rubbish were imported from other countries, on top of the 900,000 tonnes produced domestically. With so much plastic in the environment, it makes it extremely difficult to dispose of, forcing Indonesians to see burning of rubbish as the only alternative. 

This can change.

Less non recyclable waste must be produced. More sustainable practices need to be implemented. This is becoming a concern for our future, our environment and for our health. Only small amounts of the waste produced can be recycled and the amount of waste being produced is only increasing. The issue lies in the lack of education. Not just in Indonesia, but all around the world. In countries where rubbish is sent to other countries, individuals are not suffering the consequences as largely as other countries, and in countries where the only solution to managing waste is through burning it, individuals are lacking determination in finding sustainable solutions. We are not only damaging ourselves and our health, but we are damaging the lives of everything in our environment. Our precious ecosystem is suffering the consequence of our actions, ones that can be addressed and tackled. 

The amount of toxins entering our food chain is shocking. The fact that we are suffering grand consequences from burning our rubbish through smoke, is shocking. At the end of the day, we must all think about what we are doing as active members of society, and what positive contribution we are making in order to address the issue of waste. 

Writer: Karina Rice (student internship of PlastikDetox)
Editor: Luh De Dwi Jayanthi (coordinator of PlastikDetox)