Sukarame Village, Banten, which is famous as a tourist destination with stunning natural beauty, has recently faced a serious environmental challenge, namely the increasing amount of plastic waste. This increase in plastic waste can threaten environmental sustainability and the health of the local community.
To find a solution to this problem, the Community Service Team (Pengmas) of Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Faculty of Nursing (FIK) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), initiated an Ecobrick Making Education (EPIK) 2024 program, on Tuesday, August 13. Under the guidance of Ns. Suryane Sulistiana Susanti, M.A., Ph.D., the students designed an educational program that not only teaches how to make Ecobricks, but also instills awareness of the importance of sustainable plastic waste management to the residents of Sukarame Village.
“Ecobricks are not just ordinary solutions, they are a revolutionary method that turns plastic waste into valuable resources. Simply put, Ecobricks are used plastic bottles that are filled with various types of plastic waste until they reach a certain density,” said Ns. Suryane.
Turn Waste into Sales Value
He added that these bottles can then be used as strong, versatile, and environmentally friendly building materials. With Ecobricks, plastic waste that is usually only a burden on the environment can now be turned into products with high economic value such as chairs, tables, and even simple building structures.
He further said that the Ecobrick-making process does not require special equipment or skills, so it is very easy to do for anyone. The tools needed are only used plastic bottles, clean plastic waste that has been cut into small pieces, and a press to compact the waste in the bottle.
The standard used in making Ecobricks is to ensure that the bottle is completely filled and solid, with a minimum weight reaching one-third of the bottle’s volume. For example, for a 600ml bottle, the weight of the Ecobrick produced must reach 200 grams.
“Another advantage of Ecobrick is its flexibility. The products produced from Ecobrick can be adjusted to the needs and creativity of the local community. It is hoped that in the future, the community will be able to sell the results of their Ecobrick creations independently. Thus, this movement not only acts as a solution for waste management, but also as a new source of income for villagers,” said Ns. Suryane.
Meanwhile, seeing the great potential of Ecobrick, various parties in Sukarame Village, including the village government and Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes), have expressed their support for continuing this initiative. One of the long-term plans being initiated is the formation of a village waste bank group that will focus on collecting and processing plastic waste into Ecobricks.
This group is expected to be able to work together with the local and provincial governments in developing a more structured and sustainable waste management program. “With this program, we are optimistic that Sukarame Village can be an example for other villages in managing plastic waste in a creative and sustainable way. Ecobrick opens up a great opportunity for the community not only to maintain environmental cleanliness, but also to create economic value from something that was previously considered trash,” said Hasan Basri, Executive Director of BUMDes Selat Sunda Sukarame.
Therefore, to develop this potential, the UI Community Service Team together with BUMDes Selat Sunda Sukarame plans to hold further training and workshops involving more surrounding communities. This training program aims to expand knowledge about Ecobrick and integrate this technique into various aspects of community life, including in village infrastructure development.
Moreover, a marketing plan for Ecobrick-based products is also being prepared, with the hope that these products can attract a wider market. This step will provide a real economic impact for the community, while also increasing awareness of the importance of plastic waste management at the local and national levels.
In the long term, Ns. Suryane said that the program, which was attended by around 30 residents of Sukarame Village, is expected to strengthen awareness of the importance of a clean and healthy environment and empower the community to take an active role in nature conservation. Ecobrick is a real example of how a creative approach to waste management can bring positive, sustainable change to the environment and society.
Acting Dean of FIK UI, Dessie Wanda, S.Kp., M.N., Ph.D., also gave high appreciation for this program. “We are very proud to see the enthusiasm of the Sukarame community. This program not only provides practical solutions to waste problems, but also opens the eyes of the community that plastic waste can be turned into something valuable. This is a real example of how education can empower and bring positive change in society,” she said.
The UI Community Service Team consists of eight FIK students, namely Ns. Qurrata Aini, M.Kep; Ajeng Pribadi Salam; Fadly Rasyid Maulana; Tamara Khairina; Nabella Elva Shakila; Zahra Putri Prasetya; Choirunnisaa Wardhani; and Fikoh Farikhatun. Meanwhile, one student from FMIPA is Annesa Hanabila.
