Eco-Friendly information literacy in green and sustainable business programs

Background of the study: Eco-friendly information literacy plays an important role in helping to change public behavior towards a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Purpose: The aim of this research is to examine various aspects of information literacy within the green and sustainable business programs conducted by The Local Enablers (TLE) in an eco-friendly context.

Method: The research method employed is qualitative descriptive study. The research subject is based on the involvement of specific parties with the research object to be studied in-depth. The subjects involved in this study consist of several individuals who play roles in the TLE project team during the planning and implementation of green and sustainable business programs.

Findings: This research outlines the information literacy process in the green and sustainable business program at TLE according to the Big6 Model theory, from problem formulation to information evaluation. The Big6 Model assists TLE as a problem-solving framework for the information needs of the green and sustainable business program. Each member of the TLE team is able to explain the process of searching for and using information during program development.

Conclusion: Eco-friendly information literacy is well-established within TLE, where they actively seek out and implement new environmental information within the TLE ecosystem. In designing and implementing green and sustainable business programs, TLE recognizes the urgency of environmental issues and understands that the process of information literacy is an effective problem-solving tool.

Introduction

In 2022, waste in Indonesia reached 36 million tons, with household waste being the largest contributor at 38.4%. The amount of waste increased from the previous year, where in 2021, the waste generated was 30 million tons. Out of the 36 million tons of waste, only 22.5 million tons were managed through reduction, sorting, and processing. This data is reported by the National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) for 2022(Kehutanan, 2022). This alarming situation worsened during the prolonged pandemic, resulting in an increase in waste generation by 27-36%, comprising packaging waste such as bubble wrap, cardboard, and other packaging materials(Febianto, 2021-02-22). This phenomenon is partly due to online shopping activities, resulting in paper, cardboard, ribbon decorations, stickers, and styrofoam waste.

The increasing human needs each day fuel the debate over this concerning waste situation. Directly or indirectly, this situation has negative effects on the environment. Human activities significantly impact natural systems, which also affect their quality of life. Therefore, it is important for individuals to increase their awareness of the environment. Contributing to reducing the negative environmental impacts involves guiding individuals to improve their decisions regarding environmental issues. Thus, there is a responsibility and obligation to change and develop concepts of eco-friendly information literacy. Individuals who are environmentally literate can help inform well-informed public policy decisions collectively. This way, institutions and communities can enhance awareness of the importance of eco-friendly information literacy(Kehutanan, 2022).

Every piece of information that humans receive influences their perception and behavior. Information holds value as it supports human life in its various needs. The importance of information in every decision-making and problem-solving process requires skills in processing and utilizing information, known as information literacy. Information literacy is an individual's necessity to harness their potential and skills in processing and understanding information during their daily activities(Source Title, 2022). The form of information literacy application that mobilizes communities in the process of searching for and using information is illustrated in the study of Literasi Informasi Kesehatan Lingkungan pada Masyarakat Pedesaan: Studi Deskriptif di Desa Nagrog Kecamatan Cicalengka(Sugiyono, 2013). In their research, factors driving communities to seek environmental health information are based on extrinsic factors such as unhealthy environments, unclear drinking water, and trapped polluted air in homes. From this phenomenon arises community initiatives to investigate the causes of these environmental issues affecting health, thus prompting a process of information literacy to find solutions.

Another study that examines the implementation of information literacy skills is the study of Model Literasi Informasi Pengajar dalam Mengembangkan Model Kecerdasan Ruang Visual (Spatial Intelligence): Studi pada Para Peserta Bimbingan Belajar Villa Merah Bandung(Winoto et al., 2020). The research focuses on educators' perspectives on information literacy and the literacy patterns they employ when seeking information. The study concept revolves around literacy patterns linked to information search steps, based on The Big6 Model theoretical framework. Next, the study on Mengasah Kemampuan Intelektual Melalui Literasi Informasi Model The Big6: Integrasi Dengan Pembelajaran Model Berfikir Induktif(Kaya & Elster, 2019). This research creates a procedure for implementing information literacy by teachers as educational facilitators in school environments through various learning models supported by school facilities and infrastructure. By integrating information literacy into the learning process, students will gain the ability and skills to effectively and efficiently complete tasks assigned by teachers.

Observing the phenomenon of information literacy capability, The Local Enablers (TLE) acknowledges the existing social reality through their green and sustainable business program in collaboration with Tokopedia, aiming to create a green-based campaign program rooted in environmental responsibility. An important aspect in designing environmentally sustainable programs involves stakeholders who understand the urgency of environmental issues through information literacy processes. The challenge in eco-friendly information literacy isn't just presenting facts or data known to the public, but also providing education that raises awareness and encourages self-reflection among individuals and their environment(Febianto, 2021-02-22). In relation to the issues outlined, it is important to delve deeper into how information literacy can address societal issues qualitatively and descriptively. Using a qualitative descriptive research method, this study aims to explore the phenomenon or social reality through the lens of eco-friendly information literacy in the green and sustainable business programs at The Local Enablers.

The Local Enablers, prioritizing social goals and focusing on social values in its various programs, present an intriguing subject for further investigation into information literacy within its initiatives. Research focusing on eco-friendly information literacy issues remains scarce, presenting an opportunity to open new perspectives and discussions. Environmental concerns are gaining attention from government policies to sustainable food packaging alternatives. Applying The Big6 Model theory, studying eco-friendly information literacy in TLE's green and sustainable business programs can depict and explain the information literacy process—from problem formulation, information search strategies, location and access of information, information utilization, synthesis of information, to information evaluation. This research aims to outline an effective program design perspective on information literacy not only within environmental scopes but also applicable across various fields.

Method

Research Type

The research method employed is qualitative descriptive study. Qualitative research aims to understand phenomena as they naturally occur, based on subjects described in words and sentences within specific natural contexts through various involved approaches. Qualitative research results focus more on meaning rather than generalization(Sugiyono, 2013). Qualitative research using a descriptive approach is conducted to explore a social phenomenon by explaining various related