Training on Compost Production and Vertical Gardening in the Zero Waste School Program at SDN Meat, Toba Regency
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32502/altifani.v6i1.1825Keywords:
Zero Waste School, Environmental Education, Community ServiceAbstract
The increase in waste volume remains a global environmental issue influenced by population growth, societal consumption patterns, and low awareness of waste management, including within primary school environments—a sector that plays a key role in instilling environmental awareness from an early age. This community service initiative aims to implement the Zero Waste School concept through training in compost production and vertical gardening at SDN Meat, Toba Regency, North Sumatra Province. The activity was carried out on 25–26 August 2025, involving 30 pupils using an educational-participatory approach comprising three stages: problem identification and environmental education; practical training in compost making and vertical gardening; and evaluation and monitoring of the activity’s outcomes. The results of the activity demonstrated four key achievements: (1) An increase in students’ knowledge regarding the management of organic and inorganic waste, as measured by an increase in pre-test to post-test scores. (2) An improvement in environmental attitudes and awareness, marked by 10–15 students who began collecting waste from home independently. (3) A positive impact on the school’s environmental aesthetics through the installation of vertical gardens in front of and beside the classrooms. (4) The school’s commitment to continuing the programme sustainably through a regular composting schedule, maintenance of the vertical garden, and the establishment of a waste bank. This activity demonstrates that a hands-on approach is effective in fostering environmentally friendly behaviour and supports the realisation of a Zero Waste School culture at primary school level.
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