Malang, July 21, 2024 – Returning with a training program/activity entitled “Used Plastic Bags – Patchwork Fabric, Rupiah Boosters, Empowered Women, Abundant Economy, and Protected Environment”, Greenlentik in collaboration with Malang Creative Center educates and provides skills to PKK Ibu of Tulusrejo and Mojolangu Villages in Malang City as training participants. The training was given to 20 participants by delivering material related to the dangers of plastic waste (kresek) and textile waste from patchwork for the environment because it is difficult to decompose. Therefore, with the skills provided, these wastes can be utilized into craft products that have selling value and can help increase household income.
The craft products produced from this 5-hour training were “totebag, pouch, and tissue holder” with assistance from 5 trainers, namely Rini Ismiati, Maya Sandiah Hayu Tripitasari, Karinda Asri Nonelianti, Neni Prahasti, and Dewi Isnaini. The training also presented opportunities for green business/sustainable business/environmentally friendly business development as an UMKM business that can be upgraded to export.
The hope of this training is that participants can contribute to environmental conservation by reducing plastic waste (kresek) and textiles from patchwork, gaining skills to take advantage of opportunities to build a green business/sustainable business/environmentally friendly business from these wastes. In addition, the development of the business can also strengthen the family economy. However, assistance is needed as ongoing training, including regular monitoring and evaluation.
One of the participants, Ibu Dhia, said she benefited from the training. “The interactive and creative training really helps woman to gain new insights and skills, plus the trainers are friendly and patient,” she said. “Thank you to greenlentik for organizing this craft training from plastic waste (kresek) and patchwork, hopefully it will continue to progress and be creative,” she said.
In comparison to Ibu Jerry who was very impressed with the ice breaking at the opening and closing of the training, “the energy built during the ice breaking made the ladies excited and spurred the liveliness of the participants”. In addition, “after seeing the craft products produced from the training, I am optimistic that if assistance is provided, UMKM can develop and be ready to export”, she added. The results of creations that have use value and selling value for the participants and can contribute to environmental preservation and empowerment of local communities.
Meanwhile, greenlentik CEO, Rini Ismiati said that the training was welcomed by the participants and the active role of the participants was one of the keys to the success of the training. The active role of the participants was shown by questions and answers, patience, and diligence of the participants to complete the product, and become creative and varied craft results. In addition to the training aiming to educate participants in waste management, it also opens the horizon of thinking that there is a great opportunity to develop green business / sustainable business / environmentally friendly business, so that UMKM can develop and be ready to enter the market, both local and global markets. The habit of protecting the environment and business can start from a small neighborhood or village. If it is pursued and run professionally, it will be able to contribute greatly to the economy and environmental preservation.
To create “agents of change for sustainability” is not easy. But starting with small training like this, which is carried out continuously in various regions, it will become a strong network of agents of change for sustainability spread in various regions, “said Rini.
Malang, July 21, 2024
