Empowerment of Package B Learners through Recycled Plastic Weaving (ANDUP) Training in Buton Regency

Abstract

The ever-increasing problem of plastic waste has a negative impact on the environment and highlights the low level of waste utilization as an economically valuable resource. This community service activity aims to improve the life skills and environmental awareness of Package B students in Buton Regency through ANDUP (Recycled Plastic Weaving) training as a way to transform plastic waste into useful and marketable handicrafts. The implementation methods included raising awareness about the impacts of plastic waste, demonstrating waste processing techniques, group-based weaving practice sessions, mentoring, and evaluation of training outcomes. The results of the activity showed an increase in participants’ understanding of the impacts of plastic waste, their skills in processing plastic waste into woven products, and their active participation throughout the training process. Participants were able to produce woven products from used plastic that are both functional and have market potential. The ANDUP program also raised participants’ awareness of plastic waste reuse and opened opportunities for developing creative economy skills based on recycling. This initiative demonstrates that training on plastic waste utilization can serve as an empowerment tool that integrates life skills, environmental awareness, and the principles of the circular economy into non-formal education