On December 16, 2025, students from the Kuliah Kerja Nyata (KKN) program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) organized a community training on ecoprint for residents of Padukuhan Turgogede, Kalurahan Harjobinangun, Pakem District, Sleman Regency. This activity was part of their community empowerment efforts, focusing on strengthening local creative skills using natural resources and environmentally sustainable principles.

Ecoprint is a technique for printing motifs on fabric using natural materials like leaves, flowers, and plant stems. This process creates unique patterns with high artistic value, and it is environmentally friendly because it uses natural dyes and produces minimal chemical waste, making it safe for both human health and the environment.

During the training, the students emphasized the “pounding” technique, where plant materials are arranged on fabric and then tapped to transfer natural pigments. This method was chosen because it is easy to learn, requires simple tools, and allows participants to see the results immediately. Participants were guided through identifying suitable plant materials, arranging designs on the fabric, and applying the pounding technique.

Raina Aditya, Chair of the UNY KKN team in Turgogede, explained that the training was designed to be practical and sustainable. They aimed to equip the community with a skill that makes use of readily available natural resources. Ecoprint not only has creative and artistic value but also has potential for development into creative products with economic value, all while promoting environmental conservation.

The training was well received by local residents, who showed enthusiasm throughout the sessions—from learning the concept of ecoprint to practicing it directly. Besides enhancing practical skills, the activity is expected to open opportunities for sustainable creative home-based businesses.

The event was carried out by a team of KKN UNY students, including Raina Aditya, Alfitto Mohammad Basalama, Ilham Tri Ananta Hening, Najla Diva Permatasari, Ana Nurul Namiroh, Muhamad Akbar Budi Sampurno, Muhammad Bondhan Amrullah Wibowo, Rey Arya Saputra, Keisha Nabila Putri, and Fadhella Zerlinda Devi. These students played active roles in planning, facilitating, and mentoring the participants.

This ecoprint training aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by supporting creative economies, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the use of natural materials and low-waste processes, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable use of natural resources.