KKN Team II students of Diponegoro University tried to utilize plastic bottle waste by creating a simple hydroponic urban farming at SDN 01 Cibelok. SDN 01 Cibelok is located at Jalan Maluku No. 1, East Cibelok, Cibelok Village, Taman District, Pemalang Regency. This activity took place in two stages, namely the creation of a hydroponic prototype on August 6, 2024, and the introduction and handover of the prototype on August 8, 2024. This program aims to teach students about the importance of protecting the environment through recycling and introducing modern, environmentally friendly farming methods.
Plastic waste, especially plastic bottles, is one of the most severe environmental problems, and SDN 01 Cibelok is not immune to this problem. To help overcome this problem, KKN students of Diponegoro University took the initiative to utilize plastic bottles as the primary material for making a simple hydroponic system. This hydroponic urban farming is designed so that students can grow vegetables in the school environment in a practical and environmentally friendly way.
Hydroponics, a farming method without soil that uses nutrient-rich water, was chosen as a practical solution to introduce students to modern agricultural techniques on limited land. Used plastic bottles that are usually trash are transformed into functional and cost-effective planting media. According to Lian, a student in the Mechanical Design Engineering study program. “Utilizing plastic bottle waste not only reduces the amount of waste that is thrown away but also provides an opportunity for students to learn about the importance of protecting the environment.”
On August 6, 2024, KKN students began their activities by making a simple hydroponic prototype from plastic bottles. The prototype was made at the post, starting from cutting the plastic bottles, cutting the flannel according to the required size, creating holes in the plastic bottles according to the needs, and installing the bottle holders on the iron racks.
The next stage was carried out on August 8, 2024, when KKN students introduced this hydroponic system to all students and teachers of SDN 01 Cibelok. On this occasion, the students explained the benefits of hydroponic urban farming, especially in utilizing narrow land and reducing plastic waste. They also explained the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and how plastic waste that is difficult to decompose can be used in something worthwhile. Additionally, KKN students demonstrated the mixing of nutrient water by involving representatives from grade 4 students of SDN 01 Cibelok, a form of interactive direct learning.
Submission of a simple hydroponic prototype to the school with the hope that students and teachers at SDN 01 Cibelok can use it sustainably. This prototype is expected to be an initial example that can be further developed in the school environment so that students can learn to farm while applying the principle of recycling in everyday life. In addition, this activity is also expected to motivate students to care more about the environment and inspire them to find creative solutions to overcome the problem of plastic waste.
This activity is part of the KKN Team II Diponegoro University work program, which focuses on community empowerment through environmental education. KKN students hope this initiative can be the first step in creating a generation that cares more about the environment and can utilize waste creatively. With this activity, students of SDN 01 Cibelok will learn about hydroponics and recycling and be inspired to continue to protect the environment and innovate in overcoming the problem of plastic waste.