In the heart of Dawuan Village, a revolution is brewing, one paving block at a time. A recent community service initiative, led by Trisolvena Muhammad Nana from the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Muhammadiyah Cirebon, is transforming plastic waste into durable construction materials, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for the construction and energy sectors.
The project, titled “Training and Mentoring in the Production of Plastic Waste-Based Paving Blocks,” took place at the final disposal site in Dawuan Village. It brought together members of the local village-owned enterprise and community residents to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste management. The goal? To turn trash into treasure, quite literally.
The process is straightforward yet innovative. Plastic waste is collected, sorted, and then melted using a smelter machine. This molten plastic is mixed with used oil and molded into paving blocks. The result? Paving blocks that boast impressive compressive strength, low water absorption, and excellent weather resistance. “The blocks we produced met basic construction standards,” Nana explained, her eyes lighting up with pride. “This means they can be used in various construction projects, reducing the demand for conventional building materials.”
The environmental benefits are clear. By diverting plastic waste from landfills, this initiative contributes to a cleaner, greener planet. But the impacts don’t stop at environmental sustainability. This project also supports the concept of a circular economy, where waste is not just discarded but repurposed, creating a loop of continuous use and reuse. This circular approach can lead to significant economic benefits for the local community, providing new income streams and job opportunities.
The training program also saw a marked improvement in participants’ understanding of plastic waste management. Pre-test scores averaged 16.15, but post-test scores jumped to 28.70, with an average N-Gain score of 0.44, indicating moderate improvement. “The participants were eager to learn and apply their new skills,” Nana noted. “It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm and the positive impact of the program.”
For the energy sector, this research opens up exciting possibilities. The use of plastic waste in construction materials can reduce the energy-intensive processes involved in producing conventional building materials. Moreover, the circular economy model can help energy companies meet their sustainability goals, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
The success of this initiative in Dawuan Village could pave the way for similar projects in other communities. As Nana puts it, “This is just the beginning. With the right support and resources, we can scale up these efforts and make a significant difference in waste management and sustainable construction.”
The findings of this research were published in the BIO Web of Conferences, translated to English as the ‘Life Sciences Web of Conferences’. As we look to the future, it’s clear that innovations like these will play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and resilient world. The question is, how quickly can we scale up these efforts and turn more trash into treasure? The potential is there, and the time to act is now.