31 October 2025
Anonymous Writer
FORESTRY PR — Students of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) once again demonstrated their environmental concern through ECOWPOT, a biodegradable pot made from cow dung and bamboo shavings. This innovation emerged as a solution to coastal abrasion, tidal flooding, and plastic pollution faced by coastal communities.
The ECOWPOT innovation was initiated by a team led by Miduk Sitanggang, along with Elsa Manora, Salomo Bobby Fernando Sihombing, Nur Lestari Gea, and Riska Ameliah, under the supervision of Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc. from the Faculty of Forestry, USU. Through the Student Creativity Program (PKM) in the field of Community Service, the team carried out activities in Tanjung Rejo Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency.
So far, coastal communities have relied on single-use plastic polybags for mangrove nurseries. Although practical, these polybags are difficult to decompose and contribute to environmental pollution. Meanwhile, cow dung and bamboo shavings—both abundant in the village—are often discarded and left unused. From this situation, the USU PKM team introduced ECOWPOT as an environmentally friendly alternative that decomposes naturally while providing additional nutrients for plants.
“ECOWPOT is more than just a pot — it’s a solution that integrates environmental care and community empowerment. We want to show that waste considered a problem can be transformed into a useful and economically valuable product,” said Miduk Sitanggang, the team leader.
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The program also involved the Women’s Empowerment Group (PKK) of Tanjung Rejo Village, who were trained in ECOWPOT production, from material collection, mixing, molding, to drying. As a result, the participants are now able to independently produce biodegradable pots. These pots were then used for Avicennia marina mangrove nurseries, marking a tangible effort in coastal rehabilitation and erosion control.
The team’s supervisor, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc., appreciated the students’ enthusiasm in creating a simple yet impactful innovation.
“USU students have shown that creativity can emerge from everyday problems. ECOWPOT proves that scientific approaches can provide real solutions while empowering local communities,” she stated.
The ECOWPOT team hopes this innovation will serve as the first step toward a broader movement for waste management and coastal environmental preservation.
“We believe change begins with small actions. Hopefully, ECOWPOT will inspire other students to continue innovating and contributing to society,” they concluded.
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