Students from the Student Creativity Program in Entrepreneurship (PKM-K) of Semarang State University (UNNES) created an innovation that can be an effective solution in dealing with the increasingly severe green open space crisis and Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in big cities. The innovation is presented under the title “Kokedama EcoChic,” namely ornamental plants with the kokedama technique by utilizing coconut fiber waste as a planting medium.
The team, guided by Mr. Amnan Haris, S.Si., M.Ling, consists of 4 students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) and 1 student from the Faculty of Economics and Business. The students come from the Environmental Science, Science Education, and Management study programs. They were inspired by the increasingly hot urban conditions due to the increasing density of cities and the lack of green open spaces. In this condition, Urban Heat Island is one of the biggest challenges, where the temperature in urban areas is much higher than the surrounding areas.
EcoChic Kokedama was created by combining existing problems and the ecological function of the kokedama itself. This ornamental plant not only functions as decoration, but also plays an active role in absorbing carbon and reducing air pollution. The kokedama technique used replaces plastic pots with environmentally friendly coconut fiber, thus contributing to reducing plastic waste.
EcoChic Kokedama utilizes coconut fiber which has high water absorption capacity, maintaining soil moisture longer, thus reducing the need for watering. Coconut fiber also helps regulate soil moisture effectively, thus creating an ideal environment for the growth of ornamental plants. With its absorption capacity, the frequency of watering which is generally every day becomes only once every 5-7 days. The method is also easy, namely by soaking it for 3-5 minutes. Ecochic Kokedama is priced at only 20 thousand, so it remains affordable for all groups. So, what are you waiting for? Immediately have Ecochic Kokedama so that your residence is more beautiful and healthy.
“We want to create a solution that is not only environmentally friendly, but also has high economic value. Kokedama EcoChic is the result of a combination of innovation, science, and concern for the environment,” said Indah Hayu.
Through this product, the students hope to have a positive impact on the urban environment while inspiring the community to care more about the sustainability of the ecosystem. Kokedama EcoChic is also expected to be able to open up creative business opportunities that are in line with the concept of sustainable development, so that it can contribute to overcoming the Urban Heat Island crisis in various big cities in Indonesia.
