With Indonesia facing an ongoing air quality crisis, many irate citizens are asking important questions about what’s responsible for the devastating pollution and what can be done to fix it. In August, Jakarta was dubbed the “most polluted city on Earth” by IQAIR, a reputable Swiss air quality monitoring company. Many point fingers at different sources, such as vehicle emissions, but it can be broadly agreed upon that coal-fired power plants primarily worsen air quality. The Japan Times notes “the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) suggests emissions from the country’s coal-fired power plants in 2022 were responsible for 10,500 deaths and $7.4 billion in health costs.” These shocking statistics beg the question, what can the general public do to combat air pollution? While this question can be answered in many ways, one unique perspective is to look at the material items in life: your shopping. 

In an era where environmental issues loom large, consumers can make a significant impact by being conscious of their consumption habits. Prioritizing buying from environmentally conscious companies can encourage more sustainable production practices across the board through shifts in market trends toward sustainability. 

Du Anyam’s Environmental Initiatives

One example is Du Anyam, a social enterprise.  This organization empowers women weavers in rural communities while championing sustainable and eco-friendly materials like Purun. By incorporating Purun into their products, Du Anyam’s initiatives not only support local artisans but also actively contribute to cleaner air by harnessing the carbon-capturing power of Purun.

The Carbon-Capturing Power of Purun

Purun, a remarkable plant native to Indonesian peatlands, holds great promise as a carbon sink to combat air pollution and other environmental issues. Spanning over 22.5 million hectares, Indonesia’s peatland makes up 36% of the world’s tropical peatland.  This aquatic sedge, found in Kalimantan and Sumatra, has an exceptional ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, making it a valuable tool for mitigating climate change. In fact, due to the size of Indonesia’s peatland, it is able to absorb 30% of the world’s carbon. Importantly, the conservation of the peatlands means more than just carbon absorption. Destruction of peatlands in favor of oil plantations or other cash crops has disastrous effects on the environment. Namely, carbon being released. The destruction of peatlands emits billions of tons of carbon per year, worsening the environmental battle. Preserving peatlands is a necessary step towards combating air pollution.  

By incorporating Purun into its handcrafted products, Du Anyam is not only creating beautiful and sustainable items but also reducing its carbon footprint. Through their charge to preserve Indonesian peatlands, Du Anyam actively works to fight air pollution and carbon emissions. This commitment demonstrates how businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges, like the ones Indonesia faces now.