Based on data from Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Sampah Nasional (SIPSN),  food waste was the dominant source of waste, accounting for 39.74% of the total waste, in 2023.

So, is disposing of the waste in the right place enough to solve the waste problem? The answer is no. Therefore, we must utilize waste, especially organic waste at home, in functional crafts.

In addition to reducing the volume of waste, crafts made of organic waste can also decorate the house. Knowing how to recycle organic waste may offer an environmentally friendly business opportunity.

Do you wonder what type of craft you can make from organic waste? Let’s read the explanation below!

What Is Organic Waste?

Before getting into creative ideas, you need to understand what organic waste means. Organic waste comes from natural materials, such as food scraps, dried leaves, fruit peels, and vegetables.

Since it comes from natural sources, you can use organic waste to make crafty products or recycle it to prevent waste accumulation. This management can also help reduce methane gas emissions from waste decomposition.

So, organic recycling at home not only allows you to explore your creativity but also plays a role in protecting the environment through waste reduction. 

Read also: 3 Ways to Turn Clothes Waste into Useful!

Craft Ideas from Organic Waste

Here are some craft ideas from organic waste you can make at home. They are relatively easy to make, with uniqueness and practical value. 

1. Coconut Shell Flower Pot

Coconut shell flowerpots are a creative option for those who want a natural and eco-friendly pot. Coconut shells have good durability and a unique look, perfect for decorating small ornamental plants or succulents.

Here’s how to craft a flower pot from a coconut shell:

1. Clean the coconut shell, then cut off the top to make room for the plant.
2. Smooth the outside of the shell using sandpaper to make it more neat and attractive.
3. Make a small hole at the bottom for water drainage.
4. After that, add soil and plant the flowers of your choice.

2. Compost Fertilizer from Vegetable and Fruit Scraps

Have you ever wondered what you can compost? Compost fertilizer from vegetable and fruit scraps can be a fertilizer that nurtures plants. This compost can help increase soil nutrient content naturally and reduce household waste.

If this is your first time, learn how to start composting fertilizer from vegetable and fruit scraps with this instruction:

1. Prepare a large enough container, then put vegetable scraps, fruit, dry leaves, and a little soil.
2. Stir the ingredients periodically and add water if they are too dry.
3. After a few weeks, the stirred organic waste will decompose into ready-to-use compost. You can use it as a natural fertilizer in your garden or potted plants.

3. Coconut Shell Bag

An easy way to recycle organic waste is to use the waste’s original unique form. Apart from flower pots, coconut shells can be turned into bags. It has the natural texture of a coconut shell with a distinctive appeal that suits daily needs or serves as an accessory.

Here are the steps to make a bag from a coconut shell:

1. Cut the coconut shell into a flat shape according to the desired bag size, then sand it until smooth.
2. Combine the shell pieces with yarn or rope to form the front and back of the bag.
3. Add rope or bag handles as needed.

Read also: Beware! Don’t Underestimate This Waste in Your Home!

4. Orange Peel Aromatherapy Candle

Other than using coconut shells, you can use orange peels and transform them into aromatherapy candles. These candles utilize the soothing and fresh natural scent of oranges to provide a relaxing atmosphere in the room as well as a unique decoration.

To make aromatherapy candles from orange peels, you can follow these steps:

1. Prepare tools and materials, such as bowl-shaped orange peels, melted wax or paraffin, and a wick.
2. Place the wax or paraffin into a small saucepan and heat until melted. Then, stir gently so that the wax melts evenly.
3. Pour the melted wax into the previously prepared orange peel.
4. Place the wick in the center of the orange peel and make sure it stays upright by slipping it on a toothpick.
5. Allow the wax to cool and harden. This process usually takes 1-2 hours, depending on the room temperature.
6. Once the wax hardens, the orange peel aromatherapy candle is ready to be lit and accompany your evening with a cozy and refreshing atmosphere in your home.

That was all about how to recycle organic waste and several simple ideas to make your crafts at home. Recycling organic waste not only enhances creativity but also teaches us to care more about the environment.

With the simple steps above, you already help reduce waste while adding aesthetic value to the decorating items at home. To further participate in the efforts to combat climate change, you can also join Operasi Semut by Indonesia Asri!

This movement aims to educate the public about the importance of sorting waste before disposal. In doing so, waste is expected to be processed into functional and economically valuable items.

By sorting and recycling waste, you can create a cleaner, more beautiful, and sustainable environment. So, are you interested? Don’t hesitate to register if you’re interested. Let’s realize this good habit so that the earth remains a safe place to live for future generations!

Read also: Various Liquid Waste That’s Surprisingly Beneficial – What Are They?