The usage of disposable plastics can inherently make everything simple, at least in terms of usage. However, it can also inflict negative impacts, such as damaging and polluting the local environment. In response to this phenomenon, Communication Science students at Universitas Dian Nuswantoro (Udinus) conducted a campaign entitled ‘Plastic Diet Generation.’

The movement aimed to raise public awareness regarding the importance of reducing plastic waste. It was conducted in two central points of Semarang, including the Old Town and the Tri Lomba Juang Stadium. These two locations were chosen as they were the points of interest to gather and exercise. Furthermore, the campaign was hosted from December 27th to 28th, 2022.

Denisa Aulia Rahmadhanti, the coordinator of the campaign, explained that the movement was a campaign about environmental issues, particularly plastic waste. The campaign was hosted to raise public awareness about reducing the usage of disposable plastic waste. During the campaign, these dedicated students educated the visitors of both the Old Town and the Tri Lomba Juang Stadium by facing them directly. In addition to educating them, those students also gave several challenges to visitors who had yet to use plastics, and they rewarded the visitors with vouchers.

“The participants of this challenge must post a photo on Instagram using our Plastic Diet Generation official filter. They are also obliged to show their reusable things, such as tote bags, bottles made of stainless steel, and other non-plastic things,” she explained.

The campaign involved eight students, with Denisa Aulia Ramandhanti as the coordinator. Furthermore, the remaining seven students were Shah Jeyhan M, Alif Akbar Imron, Ardelia Salsabila, Nabilla Iria Aqza, Gracea Dwi Onesiana, Retno Cahyaningrum, and Cantika Putri Prihastini. Moreover, they were also accompanied by a faculty member of the Communication Science Department, Heni Indrayani, M.I.Kom.

Meanwhile, Heni Indrayani, M.I.Kom. hoped for this campaign to educate the visitors concerning environmental issues, particularly plastic waste.

“By conducting this campaign, we are committed to raising public awareness to reduce their plastic usage. Hopefully, the visitors of both the Old Town and the Tri Lomba Juang Stadium become more aware and encourage their friends to replace disposable plastic products with reusable ones,” she concluded. (Humas Udinus/Alex. Foto: Humas Udinus)