Adiwiyata School: An environmental care program as an effort to develop Indonesian students’ ecological literacy

Abstract

In line with the increase of complexity in environmental problems as a result of over-exploitation, it is necessary to care for the environmental program. Ecological literacy education needs to be realized in the programs of environmental care. This study aims to determine the importance of Adiwiyata school program in an effort to improve students’ ecological literacy. The method used in this research is qualitative descriptive with interview, observation and documentation as data collection techniques. Ecological literacy is a collective action which needs togetherness to produce a positive impact to the environment. The application of ecological literacy at schools requires awareness from all teachers, students and other school community. Adiwiyata program in SMAN 5 Jember, Indonesia can increase students’ ecological literacy by establishing a caring attitude and environment on students. This is evidenced by the behaviour of students who dispose of waste in place, sort out the types of garbage, recycling of waste, making hydroponics plants are free of pesticides, and composting. It can be concluded that inveronmental care program (Adiwiyata) is one way to improve the literacy of students in the school about ecology by observing the effectiveness of Adiwiyata program.