Practising sustainable waste management: a case study on a zero waste community in Bandung, Indonesia : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of International Development at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

Abstract

This study explores how men and women understand and practice a zero waste lifestyle at the household level in the Zero Waste Community YPBB Bandung City. In particular, this study examines the perception, attitude and behaviour, the progress, and the barriers men and women experience related to practicing their zero waste lifestyles within their daily life. In order to achieve the aim of this study and to gain a deeper understanding of the daily practice in their everyday lives, this study has adopted a qualitative research. Working along with the Zero Waste community Yayasan Pengembangan Biosains dan Bioteknologi (YPBB) Bandung or The Foundation of Development in Bioscience and Biotechnology as the case study had been conducted in Bandung city, Indonesia. The findings reveal that YPBB zero waste lifestyle is perceived as a philosophy and visionary concept. Adopting a zero waste lifestyle concept into daily life may bring about difficulty for participants. The results showed that men and women participants had different ways of perceiving zero waste lifestyles practices, such as, composting, consumption patterns, and carrying a zero waste kit. Power structures in the household and gender stereotypes in society also play a role in households. These structures are affected by the patriarchal system embedded in Bandung City. This study builds on understanding of the participants' realities as reflected through zero waste, and gender and development lenses. Acknowledging the roles of men and women within zero waste programmes will lead to a gender sensitive in sustainable waste management. To achieve zero waste goals, this study suggests the importance of education to broaden the mindset of society about the role of equality as it relates to men and women in the household.