Larfa in Vitro is a competition held once every two years by Santa Laurensia Alam Sutera's high school. Through this competition, students from a wide range of schools can compete against each other academically. However, aside from competition, students, competitors, and visitors of any kind could also learn and deepen their understanding of the importance of securing the safety and inhabitation of our environment, by giving Unity in Action the chance to introduce one of their latest research focusing on eco-enzymes. As Santa Laurensia's environmentally-driven student community, Unity in Action was given the chance to open a workshop during the ongoing event of Larfa in Vitro 2024. Throughout these three days, Unity in Action introduced to visitors what an eco-enzyme is, along with their most recent innovation of eco-enzymes shaped into solid beads called eco-beads.
Day 1: Theory
On the first day, Unity in Action started with an introduction to eco-enzymes. Eco-enzymes are products of fermentation from organic wastes like vegetables and fruits, that can be used as a clothes detergent, mopping, and textile waste treatment. But why eco-enzymes as an alternative for bioremediation in the first place? The answer to this question links to the concern of organic waste in Indonesia, followed by its popularity nowadays, especially in Asian countries, and how we can utilize it to produce garbage enzymes. With this information in mind, visitors were hopefully able to understand fully what an eco-enzyme is before moving on to the next step of the workshop. As a finishing touch for the day, UiA lightened up the atmosphere with a brief game of memory.
Day 2: Action
After a lengthy discussion of eco-enzymes the previous day, UiA deemed it ready for visitors to move on to the next stage: creating its renowned eco-beads. By practicing theory to life, UiA was able to enliven the moment, allowing visitors to discover intricately what defined these eco-beads, as well as how these micro materials contributed to curing the environment. Essentially, eco-beads are made out of eco-enzymes that are mixed with gelatin to give them their boba-like texture. To further test the visitors' understanding of what they have learned so far, UiA held a crossword game that hid topic-related terms for visitors to unravel. The UiA members would later share tips on how to use these eco-beads as efficient fertilizers. Ultimately, visitors were left in a cheerful bubble after playing a "Twister"; a game that is played on a large plastic mat that is spread on the floor or ground. Simply put, the goal of the game is to stay balanced while following the moves, without falling or touching the mat with anything other than your hands or feet. The winners would then, surely, receive a reward for their victory.
Day 3: Explanation
On the final day of the exciting journey, UiA played another game with the audience, but not before giving a bit of final advice on how to implement eco-beads as efficient fertilizers. These eco-beads, crafted from sustainable materials, were highlighted as a valuable tool for improving soil quality and enhancing plant growth in an eco-friendly way. To make the session more engaging, the audience participated in a lively game of charades, where they guessed activities related to eco-enzymes and sustainable living based on pictures their friends were holding. This interactive approach not only reinforced key environmental messages but also left participants inspired to adopt greener practices in their daily lives.