Yogyakarta – Students from the Elementary School Teacher Education (PGSD) Program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) recently conducted a field study implementation project by transforming used cooking oil into candles at Khodijah Sinar Melati Orphanage. The activity involved 17 children aged 12–15 years, ranging from fifth-grade elementary school to eighth-grade junior secondary school students.
The program served as both an environmental education initiative and a contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The activity began with an introductory session between the university students and the participants to create a welcoming and interactive atmosphere. The students then explained what used cooking oil is and discussed the environmental impacts of improper disposal. Participants were introduced to simple ways of transforming household waste into useful products with practical and economic value, helping them understand that household waste can be repurposed into creative products rather than simply discarded.
The students then demonstrated how to produce candles from used cooking oil using simple tools and materials. The demonstration covered every stage of the process, including filtering the used oil, mixing the ingredients, and molding the candles. The children enthusiastically followed the session, actively asking questions about the production process. Beyond observing the demonstration, they also had the opportunity to make their own candles under the guidance of the UNY students.
Through this hands-on activity, participants gained valuable experience in environmentally friendly household waste management. In addition to increasing awareness of environmental conservation, the program helped develop the children's creativity, teamwork, and practical skills in producing simple items that can be used in everyday life. The candles made from recycled cooking oil also have the potential to become marketable creative products if developed further.
"We hope this activity provides the children with new insights into the importance of protecting the environment while demonstrating that household waste can be transformed into products with practical and commercial value," said Salsabilla Azizah Maulidini, the project coordinator.
This field study implementation project reflects the commitment of UNY's PGSD students to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals through environmental education and community empowerment. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between university students and local communities in creating simple yet meaningful innovations. The organizers hope that similar initiatives will continue to be developed to generate even greater positive impacts on both the environment and society.
