IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM ECOPACT DALAM MEMBANGUN KESADARAN LINGKUNGAN SEJAK DINI DI SEKOLAH DASAR NEGERI 1 SURU, PONOROGO

The global environmental crisis demands environmental education from an early age, yet the ecological awareness of elementary school students in rural areas remains low. Initial observations at SD Negeri 1 Suru, Sooko Sub-district, Ponorogo Regency, showed that students littered, could not distinguish organic from inorganic waste, and were not accustomed to saving energy. This Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN) aimed to implement the EcoPact program to build environmental awareness from an early age. The method was a participatory approach in three stages: socialisation of the EcoPact concept; training in environmentally friendly practices, namely collecting and compacting plastic bottles with a press machine, greening, and energy saving; and continuous mentoring. The activity involved 93 students, 12 teachers, and 15 KKN students. Data were collected through participatory observation, interviews, and documentation, then analysed descriptively and qualitatively. The results showed improved student understanding of waste types and positive behavioural changes, namely collecting and compacting plastic bottles, caring for plants, and switching off lights and fans. Behavioural consistency still required reminders from teachers. Handing over the ECOPact facilities to the school supported sustainability. EcoPact can serve as a model of community service that rural elementary schools can replicate.