Ramadan on Campus: Love Your Mother Nature as You Love Your Creator
Jakarta, UIN Online News - Not only does worship demonstrate faith, but so does humanity's treatment of their environment. Allah (SWT) appointed humans to become the rulers of this world by charging them with the obligation of stewardship; thus, it became an important aspect of devotion to Him.
Prof. Dr. Lily Surayya Eka Putri, M.Env.Stud., a professor of environmental biology at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, stated that climate change has become more than just a global concern; it is now a real threat directly affecting humans and the environment.
"The effects of climate change are extensive, encompassing elevated global surface air temperatures, extreme precipitation resulting in floods, and food shortages caused by setbacks in agriculture and fishing sectors," she elucidated.
The primary driver of climate change is the production of greenhouse gases generated by human activities and machines: fossil-based vehicles, the energy industry, and waste incineration. Thus, causing a buildup of airborne contaminants exacerbates air quality deterioration and jeopardizes human health.
Prof. Lily contends that the present environmental consequences jeopardize future generations. Therefore, she offered solution-oriented measures, one of which is the judicious management of organic waste.
"The majority of home garbage consists of food scraps and other organic materials. If they are improperly disposed of or incinerated, these garbage items will contaminate the land and lead to flooding near the river area," she elucidated.
Additionally, inadequate waste management may generate detrimental emissions and leach heavy metals into soil and water, adversely affecting ecosystems and human health. Therefore, the adoption of more ecologically sustainable practices must begin at the household level.
This is where an innovative method of organic waste treatment called the eco enzyme came from. She designates it as the magic liquid due to its composition derived from the fermentation of fruit and vegetable waste, which offers several advantages.
"Eco enzyme serves as a natural disinfectant for household cleaners and organic fertilizers, replacing conventional hand and dish soap. I guarantee that this magic liquid is environmentally sustainable," she explained.
In contrast to toxic chemical-based goods, studies indicate that it is safe for daily usage since it is devoid of hazardous microorganisms such as E. coli. Therefore, transitioning to eco enzymes facilitates the reduction of organic waste while concurrently safeguarding water and soil quality from contamination.
Furthermore, Ramadan becomes the right time to implement these positive behaviors. By initiating the reduction of plastic waste, processing organic waste, and transitioning to eco-friendly items, Muslims are fulfilling their primary duty as the Prophet Adam's (PBUH) descendants.
Indeed, instructing people on such acts counts as an act of philanthropy. Once, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, "The earth is beautiful and verdant, and verily God, be He exalted, has made you His stewards in it, and He sees how you acquit yourselves." (Narrated from Sahih Muslim)
If you are more interested in this Ramadan news series, you can watch this YouTube video below.
(Shanti Oktavia/Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Foto: Youtube UIN Jakarta)