<![CDATA[The problem of household plastic waste and suboptimal utilization of residential yards poses an environmental challenge in Sendang Rejo Village, Binjai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The low public awareness in applying the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R) principles has resulted in used plastic bottles not being used effectively. Therefore, the EcopotCraft Program was implemented as a community empowerment effort by converting used plastic bottles into planting media (ecopots) for vegetable cultivation. The community service was carried out using a participatory approach through observation, problem identification, socialization, EcopotCraft training, vegetable planting practice, mentoring, monitoring, and evaluation. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation to determine the implementation and impact of the program. The results showed that the community exhibited high enthusiasm in participating in all activities. Participants were able to process used plastic bottles into suitable planting media and utilize their home yards for cultivating various types of vegetables. This program also improved the community's understanding of applying 3R principles, thereby contributing to plastic waste reduction, increased environmental awareness, and productive yard utilization. The EcopotCraft Program serves as a simple, easy-to-implement, and sustainable model of environment-based community empowerment that can be replicated in other regions.]]>
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