JEMBER – Residents of Seputih Village, Mayang District, Jember, are turning plastic waste into handicraft products. The initiative also encourages greater community awareness of environmental and river cleanliness.

Household plastic waste often ends up in the environment due to inadequate waste management. The waste can also be carried into rivers, affecting cleanliness and disrupting water flow.

Through a Community Service Program, residents received information on sorting and utilizing plastic waste. Participants also took part in hands-on activities to create various handicraft products.

One of the products developed by the participants combines recycled plastic waste with clocks and mirrors. This creative approach transforms discarded materials into functional products with aesthetic value.

The activity goes beyond handicraft-making skills. The team also provided training on packaging techniques to make the products more attractive and ready for the market.

Participants received plastic packaging and product labels to improve the presentation of their products. They also learned product documentation techniques as part of their marketing preparation.

In addition, participants took part in digital marketing training. They learned how to use digital platforms to introduce their products to a wider range of potential consumers.

The program combines environmental and economic interests within the community. Utilizing plastic waste can help reduce waste, while handicrafts can create opportunities for added economic value.

Turning plastic waste into handicrafts is not a single solution to the waste problem. However, the initiative can encourage residents to sort waste and reuse materials that still have practical value.