UTILIZING PLASTIC WASTE INTO USEFUL GOODS
IN SMK NEGERI 6 MALANG

SMKN 6 Malang pays more attention on environmental issues, especially global warming. It is indicated by the environmental activities  conducted. Let’s say, the application of environmental care, the updated innovation in environmental campaigns. 

At the beginning of 2019, some students and School Waste Bank Director of SMK Negeri 6 Malang were sent to Malaysia to join in the 3rd ASEAN Eco School Awards 2019. They promoted an alternative of brick wall, which is made by plastic bottles and bags.

Plastic bottles are easily-found garbage. It is because there are many kinds of beverages which are packaged in plastic bottles. Besides, there are some people who break the rule by throwing away waste not in its proper place and it is quite disturbing. One of the solutions is by reusing plastic bottles and bags as an alternative to make brickwall. By doing so, it advantages more for environment.

There are some advantages of this choice. First, it lessens plastic waste as it is recycled. Second, by replacing brick wall with plastic bottles and bags, we can save expense. Third, it turns back unuseful waste into high-value materials. Fourth, we save our environment, yeay…

Beside those advantages, there are also some uniqueness of this option. First, the design of the wall by SMKN 6 Malang students is strong enough to keep the residents of the house from the heat and cold. It is not the same with the other common home walls of plastic bottles. Second, the shape and type of the plastic bottle wall is extraordinary and unique. 

There are also some ways which have been applied in SMKN 6 Malang related to reducing plastic waste as a part of Adiwiyata program. First of all, it is obliged for the canteen sellers to package food using any kinds of plastic material. They may use banana leaf instead. It reduces more on plastic waste. Next, there are some ready-to-drink water taps which can be consumed by the students using Tupperware bottles they bring from home. Mineral water on plastic glass or bottles are not available at canteen. Then, all teachers equip themselves with melamine ware to have meals at schol. They can simply wash the melamine ware and re-use them the other meal time. Last, there are some teachers who teach students to save as many as possible used but clean plastic bags they have at home and fold them neatly so that they can be used for the other purpose in good condition.  

It is really hoped that in near future, there will not be any plastic straws and spoons in SMKN 6 Malang. Students and teachers are supposed to bring from home their own eating utensils made from aluminium. Those things are already available in many stores nearby. Besides, it will be beneficial if all students and teachers bring their own washable tissue or cloth bags whenever they go, so that they will not need any plastic bag anymore. 


So, what to wait? Let’s say goodbye to platic bags and bottles.