FOSTERING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH BOTTLE CAP UPCYLING INTO KEYCHAINS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

The problem of plastic waste has become a critical environmental issue that demands mitigation from an early age through environmental education in primary schools. This study aims to describe the development of environmental awareness among elementary school students through a program focused on upcycling plastic bottle caps into keychains. The methods employed encompassed awareness-raising sessions, demonstrations, participatory activities, and basic environmental campaigns. These methods were designed to provide students with direct learning experiences that integrate cognitive, affective, and psychomotor aspects. The initiative was conducted with second-grade students at SDN Pancakarya 03, providing them with environmental cleanliness, waste sorting, and the hands-on process of transforming waste into functional goods. During the implementation, students were actively engaged in discussions, demonstrations, and practical activities. The program also emphasized the importance of reducing plastic waste, reusing materials, and recycling as part of daily habits. The results indicated that the students successfully comprehended various types of waste, executed accurate waste sorting, and exhibited high enthusiasm and creativity during the upcycling activities. In addition, students showed increased awareness of the importance of keeping the environment clean and began to recognize simple ways to contribute to waste reduction in their daily lives. This program effectively heightened students' consciousness regarding environmental conservation from an early age. Thus, this initiative serves as an alternative creative and practical educational model to cultivate environmentally conscious characters among primary school students in a sustainable manner, while also supporting the integration of environmental education into elementary school learning activities.