Increasing Environmental Awareness Through Socialization of Sorting Organic and Non-Organic Waste in Ubung Village

Abstract

The increasing complexity of waste management, driven by population growth and declining quality of life, has become a critical issue, particularly in areas like Ubung Village, Bali. This community service program aimed to raise awareness among Ubung Village residents about the importance of sorting organic and non-organic waste. The program utilized socialization and demonstration methods to educate the community on proper waste management practices. The results indicated an improvement in the community's understanding of waste sorting, leading to more organized waste management. The program highlighted the necessity of education and access to information in fostering sustainable waste management practices. Data from the Bali Provincial Forestry and Environment Agency revealed that Bali's waste volume reached 3,198 tons per day in the first half of 2024, with Denpasar City contributing the most. The lack of public awareness and proper waste sorting systems exacerbates environmental issues, particularly with non-organic waste like plastic, which takes centuries to decompose. The program emphasized the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) as a strategic approach to waste management. Through direct socialization activities, including presentations and questionnaires, the program successfully increased the community's motivation to implement waste sorting. However, challenges remain due to the lack of adequate facilities for waste separation. The program concluded that ongoing education and regular follow-up activities are essential to sustain waste sorting practices and reduce environmental pollution. This initiative serves as a foundational step towards building a more environmentally conscious community in Ubung Village.