Implementation of a Socio-Scientific-Based Healthy Canteen as an Effort to Reduce Plastic Waste and Build Environmental Awareness at SMP Negeri 1 Kauman

Abstract

Plastic waste continues to be a serious environmental problem, including in educational settings. The use of single-use plastics in schools can pollute the environment and hinder the development of environmentally conscious character among students. This condition is also found at SMP Negeri 1 Kauman, Ponorogo Regency, which, although it has been an Adiwiyata School since 2013, still faces high usage of plastic waste in the canteen area. This study aims to describe the implementation of a healthy canteen based on a socioscientific approach as an effort to reduce plastic waste and foster environmental awareness at SMP Negeri 1 Kauman. Environmental education plays a role in shaping environmentally caring behavior through habituation and active participation of school members, including in environmentally friendly canteen management. The socioscientific approach was chosen because it encourages students to think critically and take responsibility for environmental issues they directly encounter. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the policy of banning single-use plastics in the canteen has been consistently implemented by replacing packaging with banana leaves and food wrapping paper. Canteen vendors have adapted to the policy, while students have shown positive behavioral changes, such as bringing their own food and drink containers and participating in recycling activities. The implementation of the healthy canteen based on the socioscientific approach has been effective in fostering ecological awareness, social responsibility, and supporting the sustainability of the Adiwiyata program at the school.