Sometimes, I find myself lost in thought, wondering: if I could do something truly impactful for the Earth, what would it be? Just imagining it brings a smile to my face, like picturing an endless blue sky—calm, clear, and free. Then, I think of someone who’s already made that bold leap: Amilia Agustin. Her journey inspires me. It feels as if the Earth is always in need of one more person like her, someone willing to get their hands dirty for a cleaner, healthier world. One day, I dream of achieving something just as meaningful. Until then, I’ll share her story with you, hoping it inspires you as it has inspired me.
Together for the Earth
Amilia Agustin—known by her friends as Amilia—might seem like an ordinary person to some, but to me, she’s a hero of the environment. Her deep concern about waste in schools earned her the title "The School’s Waste Queen." Imagine that, at such a young age, she received the prestigious SATU Indonesia Award in 2010 for her exceptional contributions. This award, presented by Astra, honors individuals dedicated to uplifting Indonesia in fields like the environment, education, health, entrepreneurship, and technology. And Amilia is rightfully one of those remarkable individuals.
Picture a teenage girl amidst the bustling city of Bandung, compelled to turn trash into something valuable. Behind her bright smile and lively spirit lies a deep mission for our planet. In the classic fashion of heroes, Amilia grew tired of watching her surroundings become littered with waste. But unlike most people, she didn’t settle for just complaining. With her creative hands and boundless energy, she began to see waste not as a problem, but as an opportunity to make something beautiful. This outlook is precisely why she’s an inspiration, not just for others, but also for me.
Turning Waste into Opportunity
Amilia’s journey began with a sense of sadness whenever she saw piles of trash “haunting” daily life. At first, it might have been just a passing discomfort. But over time, her concern grew into a calling. She often asked herself, “Why does there have to be so much waste?” That question marked the start of her mission to turn trash into treasure.
Fueled by passion, Amilia launched a small revolution: Turning Waste into Treasure. She rallied her friends to join her, spreading awareness and enthusiasm. Can you imagine that? At such a young age, she managed to inspire those around her, not only to clean up but to embrace a change in perspective. It was no longer just about picking up litter but about creating a sustainable impact.
A Young Champion for the Earth
From this concern, she launched a program named Go To Zero Waste School. Through this initiative, Amilia aimed to involve more people, especially young students, in caring for the environment. She didn’t just talk about the importance of a clean environment; she taught concrete ways to manage waste. Together with her friends, she transformed waste into useful items. As time went on, the program grew, spreading to other schools and becoming a movement. With this effort, Amilia became not only a local role model but a change-maker for many.
Amilia firmly believes that fostering a love for nature should start early. “Children are the nation’s future; they need to be taught to love and protect the environment from a young age,” she often says. With this belief, she frequently holds interactive and engaging workshops at schools. Instead of delivering serious lectures, Amilia chooses to use colorful posters, captivating stories, and a warm approach that’s easy for kids to connect with. Through these sessions, she hopes to plant a deep, lasting appreciation for nature in the hearts of young people.
Amilia’s environmental efforts didn’t stop at school. When she went on to study at Udayana University in Bali, she brought her green spirit with her. She joined an environmental community and actively initiated events to preserve the local environment. One of her notable projects was founding the Udayana Green Community, a group focused on raising environmental awareness in nearby schools and villages in Bali. Through this community, Amilia broadened her impact and encouraged even more people to care about nature.
A Career in CSR: Merging Passion with Profession
After graduating, Amilia embarked on a new chapter by pursuing a career in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). For her, working in CSR at PT Pamapersada Nusantara—a prominent company within the Astra Group—was the perfect way to align her passion with her profession. In her CSR role, Amilia found a space where she could contribute directly to society and the environment. She believes that with small, consistent steps, she can make a real difference.
In this position, Amilia has the chance to develop larger, sustainable projects for the environment. Through her various initiatives, Amilia aims to ensure that the Earth isn’t just cared for but also rejuvenated. For her, true change must be ongoing; it cannot be a one-time effort.
Waste as a Shared Inspiration
With every step she takes, Amilia Agustin proves that one person can make a significant difference. If she can do it, why can’t we? Amilia doesn’t just inspire those around her; she inspires me and, hopefully, all of you as well. Go To Zero Waste School isn’t just a program; it’s proof that waste can be transformed into something meaningful, even inspirational.
As I wrap up this story, I hope we can all take small steps toward a better planet and cleaner surroundings. Imagine if each of us could turn one bad habit into a small, lasting good. The world would undoubtedly become greener and more sustainable. Remember, every change starts with ourselves. Together, let’s work to create a world that’s not only better but also cleaner and more sustainable. Let’s make this Earth a comfortable home for future generations.
Together, Creating, and Sustaining. In the spirit of these words, let’s keep Amilia’s vision alive by doing our part for a greener Earth.
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