EDUCATION ON MAKING AROMATHERAPY CANDLES FROM USEDCOOKING OIL WASTE IN LEGUNDI HAMLET, PLANJAN VILLAGE,SAPTOSARI DISTRICT, GUNUNG KIDUL REGENCY

Abstract

The programme to utilise used cooking oil as a base material for making

aromatherapy candles in Legundi Hamlet, Planjan Village, Saptosari District, Gunung

Kidul Regency aims to reduce the negative impact of household waste while creating

new business opportunities. Used cooking oil that is thrown away carelessly has the

potential to pollute the environment, especially water and soil. The programme began

with socialisation on the dangers of repeated use of cooking oil and the impact of

environmental pollution due to the disposal of used cooking oil. Next, a training on

making aromatherapy candles using used cooking oil was conducted, accompanied by

the KKN Team of Group 114 Planjan. Participants, consisting of local mothers, were

taught how to turn used cooking oil into aromatherapy candles with an easy process

that can be applied independently. This training not only improves the community's

skills in waste management, but also opens up sustainable creative economy-based

business opportunities. The programme evaluation was conducted through the active

participation of participants as well as their ability to produce candles independently.

The programme is expected to increase community awareness on the importance of

waste management and encourage them to utilise used cooking oil waste as products

with economic value. As a result, in addition to reducing environmental pollution, the

community can also develop innovative products that have market potential.