Sustinere: Journal of Environment and Sustainability
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Sustainable practices of fabric waste among small-scale garment enterprises in the Kumasi metropolis
No full textIn recent years, fabric waste has become an important sustainability issue that raises concerns and attracts attention from stakeholders in the fashion industries and the media. Over the past 15 years, the production and consumption of clothing have increased substantially, driven by the rise of demand for fashionable style and the proliferation of fast fashion. This study explores the fabric waste generated by the garment operators within the Kumasi metropolis. A qualitative research design, guided by a phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected from six zones using purposive sampling technique to select respondents. Interviews and observations served as the primary data collection methods, and data were analysed thematically using NVIVO software. The findings reveal that the use of single-ply and bulk-ply cutting techniques in garments construction led to the generation of tons of fabric waste, particularly among small-scale garment producers. It is recommended that garment operators adopt effective strategies for reusing and responsibly disposing of fabric waste. Furthermore, the use of biodegradable fabrics is encouraged, as they have a lower environmental impact.
Comparative analysis of woody species diversity in church, community, and national park forests in Ethiopia: Review
No full textForest resources in Ethiopia are facing intensive degradation and deforestation due to agricultural land expansion, overgrazing, urbanization, invasive species, and climate change. Due to this, small isolated forest patches are left in different parts of the country through legal protections and religious sanctions. The study aimed to examine the country\u27s highest woody species diversity among church, community, and national park forests. The remnant forest patches in Ethiopia were categorized into church, community, and national park forests based on ownership and management objectives of the forest. The diversity data were collected from a detailed review of published and unpublished scientific reports. The variation in species richness, evenness, and Shannon diversity among forest categories were analyzed and tested using ANOVA. The mean Shannon diversity of church, community, and national park forests were 2.95, 2.88, and 3.13, respectively. These forest categories have a considerable role in species diversity in the country. However, the variation was statistically insignificant at a 95% confidence interval. Hence, each forest category plays a comparable role in woody species diversity in the country
The role of fintech and green finance in fostering environmental sustainability: Evidence from the ASEAN-5
No full textEnvironment and economy are frequently seen as opposing forces. For every government initiative to boost the economy, there is an equal and opposite measure to protect the environment. The overarching goal of this research is to provide empirical evidence of how green finance and fintech sway policymakers to reduce the economic-environmental trade-off. Secondary data from 2000–2023, together with a sample of ASEAN-5 nations, are used in this analysis. To determine the impact of the study\u27s independent variables on environmental damage, quantitative approaches, particularly CS-ARDL, are employed. The study\u27s findings suggest that the five ASEAN nations may lessen their environmental impact by utilizing green finance and fintech. The government, with the exception of Singapore, needs to move swiftly, since the expected decline is too sluggish. Among the ASEAN-5 nations, Singapore has the potential to do more to protect the environment than its peers
Revitalization of nipa thatch as sustainable roofing material at Sekolah Alam Balikpapan
No full textNipa as thatch roofing material originates from leaves of nipa palm tree (Nypa fruticans). Although nipa has a long history in Southeast Asia, it has gradually been replaced by other materials. Nature school (sekolah alam), a relatively new education model established in Indonesia in 1998, offer a different approach to school facilities, one of which is the use of open-air classroom buildings. Balikpapan Nature School, located in island of Borneo, is one of many institutions developing the nature-based school concept. The school has adopted the Dayak Kenyah longhouse design, incorporating nipa thatch roofing in its buildings. However, one of the buildings has had its nipa roofing replaced with bitumen. This research investigates the heat gain characteristics of nipa roofing as a sustainable material in comparison to bitumen roofing. Analysis of the observational data using paired t-test shows a significant difference, with nipa roofing effectively reducing heat gain. These supports findings support previous studies that have identified nipa as an environmentally friendly material capable of providing better thermal comfort in humid tropical climates
Navigating a sustainable agricultural economy in Indonesia\u27s new capital city
No full textOne of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the second pillar emphasizes to aim to “End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition, and Promote Sustainable Agriculture”. At the same time, Indonesia is relocating its capital city to Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), and the demand for agricultural commodities is increasing in line with population growth. Referring to this phenomenon, this article examines the relationship between labor, employment opportunities, loan value, and entrepreneurship with expenditure and per capita income, and economic growth in the agricultural sector within the IKN region. Secondary data were obtained from government agencies for the period 2015–2023 and analyzed using time-series regression. The empirical findings highlight three important points. First, labor, entrepreneurship, and per capita expenditure positively influence economic growth. Second, these variables also have a positive impact on per capita income. Third, employment, loan value, per capita income, and economic growth are positively associated with per capita expenditure. This case study suggests that stakeholders, including policy makers, academics, businesses, and local communities, should develop more inclusive agricultural economic policies. In the long-term, such approach could help refine and expand existing conceptual frameworks
Climate change promotes energy and economic downturns: Equator-based evidence
No full textThis study examines the impact of climate change on energy intensity and its cascading effects on national economies. Climate change constrains energy consumption, thereby influencing Gross Domestic Product (GDP), particularly in equatorial nations where its effects on the energy sector and economy are more pronounced. Using a dataset of 1,612 observations from 1990Q1 to 2020Q4 across 13 equatorial countries, this research employs the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model, particularly the Impulse Response Function (IRF), to assess climate change’s influence. Accordingly, the IRF is utilized to forecast the future trajectory of energy intensity and economic performance under worsening climate conditions. Findings indicate that natural disasters (-0.067), precipitation (-0.005), and rising temperatures (-0.317) significantly reduce energy intensity, ultimately disrupting economic stability. The analysis further reveals that these climate factors will continue to weaken energy intensity and economic growth over the next ten periods. To mitigate these risks, equatorial countries must adopt policies promoting sustainable energy and climate resilience. Governments should establish robust regulatory frameworks, enhance international collaboration, and share best practices to strengthen climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, ensuring economic stability and long-term sustainability
Sustainable packaging: Consumers’ evaluation of eco-labels in the Ghana’s packaging sector
No full textFostering environmentally conscious consumer behaviour requires a clear understanding of eco-labels and sustainable packaging. However, there is a lack of research on how consumers in developing countries, especially Ghana, perceive these ideas. The study intends to address that gap by evaluating how customer perceptions of eco-friendly packaging and eco-labels are influenced by gender, age, and educational attainment. The contribute to the ongoing discourse on the predictors of environmental attitudes and behaviours. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey with systematic sampling. Results showed that environmental perceptions were not significantly influenced by gender, age, or educational attainment. Although respondents demonstrated awareness of sustainable packaging, they had limited understanding of eco-labels, with 61% unable to correctly identify various eco-labels. The findings suggest that marketing strategies for eco-friendly products should consider factors beyond demographic characteristics. The complex interaction among demographic variables calls for a more nuanced approach to engaging consumers in sustainability initiatives. Further research is needed to explore alternative predictors of environmental attitudes and to design educational interventions that resonate with diverse consumer segments. A deeper understanding of what drive pro-environmental behaviour is essential to reduce packaging waste
Analysis on the factors influencing nature-based solutions implementation for flood risk management in Davao City, Philippines
No full textThe purpose of this study was to determine the influence of socio-demographic variables on willingness to implement Nature-based Solutions (NbS), as well as people\u27s perceptions and awareness of such systems for a more sustainable flood risk management in an urban area, particularly in Davao City, Philippines. Data were collected through an online survey questionnaire with a total of 360 respondents. The results showed that socio-demographic variables generally had no significant influence on the willingness of people to implement NbS. The survey also found a general lack of knowledge about NbS, but a relatively higher perceived efficacy of such systems. Ordinal regression analysis revealed that respondents\u27 level of awareness and perceived efficacy of gray infrastructures are strongly correlated with their willingness to implement NbS. Despite acknowledging the effectiveness of existing flood risk management systems, respondents were still more likely to implement NbS. Approximately 60% of the respondents expressed high willingness to adopt all the evaluated NbS as part of the flood risk management system. Thus, to increase trust in NbS and encourage their adoption, it is highly encouraged that NbS be communicated to the public and policymakers should be clearer and more accessible, highlighting the multifunctionality of these systems
Solar charging controller using DC-DC buck converter with cascaded PI controller for a sustainable renewable energy system
No full textThe renewable energy system (RES) has recently become hot topic due to its unlimited, green energy potential, and the maturity of its technology. A solar charging controller (SCC) is required to regulate parameters for the battery and is an essential component for sustainable and renewable energy usage. An SCC based on a DC-DC Buck converter with cascaded proportional-integral (PI) controller is used in the system for managing the current and voltage loops, thereby preventing battery overcharging. The control parameters are determined using the Ziegler-Nichols method based on the reaction curve. A first -order system is employed due to the open-loop responses show no overshoot and oscillations. MATLAB software is used for both simulation and controller design. Simulations are conducted to validate the proposed SCC with the cascaded controller. Variations in the state of charge (SoC) are presented in two cases: without and with the controller. The SoC is set 20%, 50%, and 95%. A high SoC percentage indicates that the battery is near the full capacity, whereas a low percentage indicates that battery is near empty. Using the cascaded controller, both current and voltage responses at different SoC levels demonstrate satisfactory performance, including rapid transient responses, minimal overshoot, small ripples, and robustness
Understanding social dynamics towards circular fashion initiatives in Indonesia through actor-network-theory
No full textCircular fashion represents a practical effort to achieve a more sustainable fashion industry. The Indonesia Circular Economy National Roadmap and Action Plan 2025-2045 identifies the textile and fashion sector as one of its top priority sectors for transitioning to circularity. Circular fashion emphasizes a shift from the traditional linear system, take-make-dispose, to a comprehensive approach in which fashion items are intended to last longer, be reusable, and be recycled back into the biosphere at the end of their lifecycle. This transition requires a systemic transformation throughout the entire value chain. This article explores the social dynamics through which both human and non-human actors drive circular fashion initiatives in Indonesia, employing actor-network theory (ANT) as its methodological framework. Using a qualitative approach, comprising focused ethnographic observations, interviews, and document analysis, the study explores two key contexts, the Circular Fashion Partnership Indonesia (event setting) and two design studios in Yogyakarta (real-world setting). The findings reveal that the event serve to foster network formation and vision alignment, while the design studios translate these visions into practical, localized practices. ANT highlights the interconnected feedback loops within networks that integrate human actors (e.g., designers, business, government, community/consumers, academia, media) and non-human actors (e.g., materials, technology, policies), all of which influence both the event-based and real-world settings. Understanding the social dynamics shaped by these networked interactions is essential for the successful implementation of circular fashion practices in Indonesia. This study offers insights for stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, anticipate potential challenges, and develop strategies to promote sustainability through circular fashion