SUKABUMI – Beneath the clear skies of Sukabumi, laughter echoed through the grounds of Babakan Kencana Elementary School. Children, sleeves rolled up and eyes sparkling with curiosity, transformed discarded plastic bottles into colorful vertical gardens. The school courtyard became a lively testament to a new kind of environmental education.

The activity was part of the Green School program, initiated by MNC Peduli and MNC Land, aimed at fostering environmental consciousness from a young age. Located near the MNC Lido City Special Economic Zone, Babakan Kencana Elementary School served as a vibrant setting for lessons in sustainability.

Indonesia faces a growing waste crisis, with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) reporting 6.8 million tons of plastic waste produced annually, much of it ending up in landfills or polluting waterways. Against this backdrop, small interventions like the Green School program carry significant meaning.

"Plastic waste remains one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges," said Moch Tamami, Corporate Secretary of MNC Land, during Friday’s event. "Through programs like Green School, we teach children to see waste not as trash, but as an opportunity for creativity and sustainability."

Rather than passively receiving lectures, students actively participated by gathering, sorting, and repurposing plastic waste into new creations. They were also encouraged to change daily habits, such as bringing their own reusable bottles and lunch containers to reduce single-use plastic consumption.

"We are deeply grateful to MNC Peduli and MNC Land. This program does not just teach theory. It engages our students in action, showing them how to reduce waste and create something meaningful from it," said Yanti Susanti, Principal of Babakan Kencana Elementary.

In a village where formal waste management systems remain limited, the school has adopted its own methods, sorting recyclables, turning organic waste into compost, and finding creative uses for plastic.
"Programs like this help reinforce the values we are trying to build," Yanti added.

"It’s so much fun. School feels more exciting when we learn about the environment like this. We know now not to litter and to take better care of nature," said Fajar, a student who proudly displayed his handmade planter.

By planting seeds of environmental awareness, MNC Peduli and MNC Land hope to nurture a future generation for whom caring for the Earth will come naturally.