Climate change is a pressing global issue, and awareness of combating it needs to be instilled from an early age. With this in mind, students participating in the Giat 12 Community Service Program (KKN) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) in Kalisari Village, Blado District, Batang Regency, held an educational and creative activity at Kalisari Elementary School. They invited fifth-grade students to create ecoprint tote bags, an environmentally friendly innovation that highlights the importance of caring for the earth.
The activity, which took place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, was part of a KKN program focused on environmental sustainability. Rather than simply theorizing about the dangers of plastic and global warming, the KKN students engaged students in hands-on, fun-filled activities. The ecoprint method was chosen because it is a natural dyeing technique that utilizes the beauty of the surrounding environment.
“We want to show that an environmentally friendly lifestyle isn’t difficult and can even be really fun,” said Fika, a student from the 12th Community Service Program (KKN Giat 12).
“With ecoprinting, children learn that leaves in the schoolyard or garden can create beautiful works of art. This tote bag isn’t just an ordinary bag, but also a symbol of their commitment to reducing plastic waste.”
The enthusiasm of the dozens of participating students was evident. Under the guidance of the students, they learned to identify suitable leaves and flowers for printing. Tea leaves, ferns, and various types of local flowers became their natural “brushes.” The process was interactive: arranging the leaves on the tote bag, covering it with plastic, and then repeatedly hitting it with a small hammer until the leaf essence transferred to the fabric. The boisterous sound of hammering and the laughter of the students filled the room, creating a joyful learning atmosphere.
The principal of Kalisari Elementary School, Mrs. Sriyanah, and all the teachers welcomed the activity and appreciated the innovations brought by the KKN students.
“This training is a concrete example of how education can be connected to real-life issues. The children not only gain skills but also a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving nature. We hope this enthusiasm doesn’t stop here, but continues to develop into good habits,” he said.
Through this program, KKN Giat 12 UNNES not only leaves behind uniquely designed tote bags but also plants the seeds of environmental awareness that will hopefully grow into sustainable good habits. This small action by the tiny hands of Kalisari Elementary School students is a major first step in creating a generation that cares more about and is responsible for the future of the earth.
