DEVELOPMENT OF ZERO WASTE EDUCATION CONCEPT FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL NO 13

Abstract

Elementary education in Indonesia and other cities currently lacks specific methodologies for teaching environmental management and waste reduction, which impacts students' understanding of climate change. Research on integrating SDG 13 into elementary curricula is limited, highlighting a gap that this study addresses by introducing a novel Zero Waste Education Concept designed for continuous application within existing frameworks. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive and sustainable framework that ensures effective integration of zero waste principles into formal education, fostering environmental responsibility among young students. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study interprets data to create an appropriate educational framework. Key findings reveal a structured Zero Waste Education Concept with strong educator support and a clear implementation process, including school collaboration, action plans, teaching materials, and evaluation. This program is crucial for addressing unmanaged waste, which contributes to climate change. The concept is ready for deployment in elementary schools in Makassar and other Indonesian cities, requiring support from schools, the Ministry of Education, and local governments for successful implementation.