Eco-enzyme as the natural disinfectant: Increasing school community awareness on waste management

Abstract

The increase of COVID-19 has influenced aspects of life in global including education. Recently, the Indonesian government has given allowance to schools for conducting offline teaching-learning processes. Preparation should be conducted to maintain the protection of the school environment, including teachers and students. Health protocols remain an important requirement. SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang was one of the schools that wanted to prepare for conducting the offline teaching-learning process. The preparation of this school was cleaning all the school areas and spraying disinfectant to prevent the contamination of bacteria and viruses. Yet, the principal of SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang is concerned about the students’ and teachers’ health considering the chemical substance in the disinfectant. Moreover, the cost of disinfectant is also the consideration of the principal for savings. The result of an interview with the principal and observation of the school environment, it needs an alternative disinfectant that contains a less chemical substance, is effective, and is inexpensive. The disinfectant should not cause respiratory infections and is not harmful to students who are children. Concerning the problems faced by SD Muhammadiyah 08 Dau Malang, the team of community service programs brings solutions by introducing eco-enzyme and its advantages for health and the environment. It can be used as a natural disinfectant made of fresh organic waste from the kitchen. It is not only the solution to environmental health and virus protection but also recycling and utilizing waste.