Jakarta, IO – Rows of used plastic water jugs are neatly arranged at the Belimbing Child-Friendly Integrated Public Space (RPTRA) in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta. Instead of becoming waste, the jugs have been repurposed as containers for growing rice, turning discarded plastic into productive growing space while providing a way out for waste management and food security.

The use of plastic waste as planting containers can help make the most of limited urban space for food production. The method has proven to reduce reliance on conventional rice fields and offers a practical way to grow crops in densely-populated areas.

Used jugs are filled with a growing medium made from manure and compost, a mix produced by the RPTRA’s manager, making cultivation more environmentally-friendly and sustainable.

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Staff regularly tend to the rice plants, which are expected to be ready for harvest at around 112 days. The harvest demonstrates the benefit of repurposing waste, which will also be distributed through a community-run cooperative, to empower local residents and strengthen food security at the neighborhood level.

By turning plastic waste into planting containers, RPTRA Belimbing demonstrates how a simple innovation can serve two purposes: reducing waste while providing food for urban communities. (IO/Septo Kun Wijaya)