PENANG, 24 April 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students showed how simple household waste can drive global sustainability during the Plexus Eco Festival in conjunction with International Earth Day, which is celebrated on April 22 annually.

Fifteen Environmental Technology students from the USM School of Industrial Technology conducted interactive workshops on soap-making from used cooking oil and organic pest repellents at various Plexus facilities, located at Seaside, Hillside, and Island View.

The initiative was carried out under the IEA 112 Society and Environment Project course, which emphasises experiential learning.

Students not only demonstrated understanding of green technologies, but also utilised the opportunity to improve their communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills while interacting with participants from diverse backgrounds.

From only 1 kilogramme of used cooking oil, it can produce 20 bars of soap, in addition to preventing clogged drains and reducing water pollution.

Meanwhile, the eco-friendly pest repellents made using herbs like lemongrass, basil, rosemary, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon offered participants a safe, chemical-free alternative for household use.

The initiative contributes directly to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting Quality Education (SDG 4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).

This academia-industry collaboration highlights how small acts of innovation can lead to big environmental impact, while inspiring communities to rethink waste and embrace sustainable living.

Text & Photos: Widad Fadhullah, School of Industrial Technology, USM/ Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin