Student Response on Solving Waste Problem in Department of Biology through Conservation of Natural Resources and Environment Course

Abstract

Conservation of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE) is mandatory course to be taken by all student in Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Main learning outcome of this course is for students to be able to solve problem relating to application of natural resources and environment conservation in community. The purpose of this study was students could solve waste problem in Biology campus area. Problem was solved by zero waste program in Biology program, with options; (a) No greaseproof paper, no plastic bag, no paper and plastic food wrap, no straw, no styrofoam, no sanitary pads waste or (b) No greaseproof paper, no paper food wrap, no styrofoam, no plastic, and no sanitary pads waste. Method used in the study was opinion polling. Study target was students in Biology study program taking CNRE course in the even semester of academic year 2018/2019. Total number of corresponding students were 140. Results indicated that 94% students chose (a). Conclusion of this study was that students still needed plastics for their daily life, such as plastic bottle and glass for mineral water. Waste problem was solved by cooperation through dividing tasks. Keywords—conservation of natural resources and environment, student response, zero waste