PERSEPSI MAHASISWA PRODI PENDIDIKAN IPA TAHUN AJARAN 2023/2024 UNIVERSITAS NEGERI MEDAN TERHADAP PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH ORGANIK

Abstract

Students, as future agents of change, play a crucial role in the transition to a green economy. Student perceptions of organic waste utilization can provide an opportunity for students to participate in bioentrepreneurship innovation. Research observations revealed that most students lack awareness and understanding of proper waste sorting practices. Interviews with cleaning staff indicated that students have not yet sorted waste based on its type, despite adequate waste disposal facilities on campus. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of students in the Science Education Study Program, State University of Medan, in the 2023/2024 academic year, regarding organic waste utilization. A survey was conducted with students using purposive sampling techniques and analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods. The data collection instrument used a questionnaire developed using a Likert scale. The results showed that student perceptions of organic waste utilization were in the moderate to strong category, with the majority of respondents (82%) in the "moderate" category. Thus, students have a positive view of organic waste utilization, although their level of awareness and in-depth understanding still needs to be strengthened.