Preserving the Zero Waste Legacy: Banyumas and the Challenges of the Young Generation in Waste Management

Abstract

: The zero waste concept is an important strategy in realizing sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management. Banyumas Regency is one of the regions in Indonesia that has begun to implement the zero waste principle through local government programs, community movements, and environmental education activities at the school and community levels. However, in its implementation, various challenges remain, especially in terms of the participation of the younger generation as the successors of this movement's legacy. Low environmental awareness, limited waste processing facilities, and the influence of a consumptive lifestyle are the main factors that hinder the creation of a zero waste culture among teenagers and students. This study aims to examine the role of Banyumas's younger generation in maintaining the zero waste legacy, analyze the obstacles faced, and formulate strategies to increase their active participation. The method used includes a literature review. The results of the study indicate that the younger generation has great potential as agents of change through creative innovations such as the use of social media for environmental campaigns, creative recycling activities, and the formation of waste awareness communities in schools and universities. To maintain the sustainability of the zero waste movement in Banyumas, synergy is needed between the government, educational institutions, and the community to create a participatory, educational, and sustainable waste management system