The Ecoliteracy Movement: Transforming SDN 1 Rempek, From the School Gate to Village Change

What comes to mind when we hear the word ecoliteracy? Some may think of environmental issues or simply waste management. Yet, ecoliteracy is actually a deeper form of awareness. Compared to the concept of the circular economy, ecoliteracy may not seem immediately appealing. However, the foundation of a circular economy begins with individuals who are ecoliterate.
 

Reviving Ecoliteracy at SDN 1 Rempek

So, how can this essential idea bring real change? Perhaps this question never crossed the minds of teachers and students at SDN 1 Rempek. For years, plastic waste from snacks was a daily sight, seen as something “normal.” Trash was scattered everywhere due to low awareness of proper disposal.

The school’s solution was also limited to burning plastic—without realizing the health risks and the loss of economic value behind it. Meanwhile, organic waste was left to rot, creating unpleasant smells that disturbed the learning environment. At that time, the idea of an herbal garden (Apotek Hidup) felt like nothing more than a dream.

Everything changed when GNI arrived and introduced ecoliteracy as a fresh new perspective. Through simple approaches such as storytelling, the school community began to understand that environmental responsibility goes beyond just throwing trash in the bin. There is a character-building dimension that must be nurtured. This spirit united the principal, teachers, students, and parents into one collective force moving in the same direction.
 

Changes and Positive Impacts of Ecoliteracy

Change first appeared through school policies. SDN 1 Rempek now provides glass plates and cups, stainless steel spoons, and uses leaves as natural food wrappers in the school canteen to cut down plastic use. The habit of burning waste was abandoned after the establishment of the school’s Waste Bank, which actively involves teachers and parents.

“We don’t just look at the amount of money earned; we see the real form of our responsibility toward nature,” said Mr. Mahen, the person in charge of the SDN 1 Rempek Waste Bank.

Today, the problem of organic waste odor has been fully resolved. With the help of a decomposer provided by GNI, the school can process waste into compost that nourishes the herbal garden behind the schoolyard.

Students can now directly see how waste turns into health benefits. The economic impact is also real: the proceeds from the Waste Bank are allocated to support educational needs and help ease students’ financial burdens.

However, the real magic happened when these values went beyond the school fence. Inspired by the education at school, one parent of an SDN 1 Rempek student was moved to take independent action in their neighborhood, Dusun Sambik Pondokan.

With a strong spirit of mutual cooperation, this hamlet of around 300 residents began sorting waste independently. This effort made Sambik Pondokan the first of 11 hamlets in Rempek Village to successfully manage waste in an economically productive way.

The results were remarkable. The profits from waste management did not go into personal pockets, but were used to support and maintain the local mushalla. What was once considered dirty and worthless has now become a form of ongoing charity and a support system for religious facilities.

SDN 1 Rempek and Dusun Sambik Pondokan have now become beacons for surrounding areas. They prove that the right education can create systemic change. Caring for the Earth turns out to be part of caring for faith and the dignity of the community. Through small steps in Rempek Village, we learn that being ecoliterate means building economic independence and spiritual strength from what we once threw away.

Also See:

Indonesia's Low Literacy Rate: What Are the Causes?
A Meaningful Visit: Bakti BUMN at Mandalika Child Learning Center

Written by: Luwyse Hasianni Sianipar (MELA Officer)
Edited by: F&CD Team