The Bachelor of Applied Marketing Management Study Program of the Faculty of Vocational Studies at UNY carried out a socialisation and real-action programme in the form of training in the making of eco-enzyme and eco-brick at SMP Negeri 1 Pengasih, Kulon Progo, recently.

This activity was attended by 30 students of class VII A of SMP Negeri 1 Pengasih, under the guidance of three UNY Vocational Faculty students. This cross-generational collaboration aims to instil awareness early about the importance of waste management based on the zero-waste principle.

The training focused on utilising household waste into value-added products. Organic waste is processed into a liquid fertiliser called eco-enzyme, while inorganic waste is utilised into eco-brick. Participants were also introduced to the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) concept as a simple yet impactful strategy to reduce waste generation.

UNY students directly guided the practical work, starting from introduction of materials such as brown-sugar solution, organic waste, used plastic, up to mixing and fermentation stages. The enthusiasm of the participants was visible from the active involvement of students in trying each step and discussing the benefits of the products produced.

The Dean of the Faculty of Vocational Studies at UNY, Prof. Komarudin, stated that this activity is a concrete form of UNY’s commitment in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — specifically SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. “The Vocational Faculty plays a strategic role in providing applied solutions to environmental issues through practice-based learning. Through this activity, we want to grow ecological awareness among students and shape a younger generation that is caring and creative in utilising waste,” he said.

He added that the collaboration between the university and the secondary school also becomes a means of implementing vocational community service, where students not only learn academically but also develop social sensitivity and environmental leadership.

Through this activity, the students of SMP Negeri 1 Pengasih are expected to apply new habits in waste management both at school and at home, and to become pioneers of a sustainable lifestyle. Thus, the school’s vision of zero waste is not merely a slogan, but realised through the real actions of a younger generation that cares about the future of the Earth.