Waste to Light: Innovation of Aromatherapy Candles from Used Cooking Oil
Keywords:
Used cooking oil, aromatherapy candles, community empowerment, PLCE, sustainable waste managementAbstract
This community service project titled “Waste to Light: Innovation of Aromatherapy Candles from Used Cooking Oil” focused on empowering members of the PKK women's group in Gedong Village to address improper disposal of household waste oil, which is a primary cause of local environmental pollution and health risk. The participants underwent a one-day training based on the Participatory Learning and Community Empowerment (PLCE) model, combining environmental education, materials provision, and hands-on practical skills. Aromatherapy candles were chosen for their dual health benefits and market potential, offering a creative and eco-friendly solution distinct from other waste oil preparations. Field analysis revealed that up to 70% of local pollution was attributed to improper disposal, underscoring the relevance of this initiative. As a result of the training, participants showed a significant increase in understanding about the environmental hazards of used cooking oil and demonstrated new technical skills in producing quality aromatherapy candles using safe household methods. Group reflection and discussion indicated strong attitudinal change, with participants motivated to continue candle production independently and aware that household waste could become valuable resources. All participants produced candles exhibiting uniform color, stable burning, and appealing aroma. The project successfully fostered environmental literacy, creativity, and micro-entrepreneurial interest, highlighting community-based empowerment and behavioral change. Future programs should expand collaborations and target sustainability through youth and local industry involvement
Downloads
References
Asteria, D., & Haryanto, J. T. (2021). Empowerment key factors in shaping women’s awareness of household waste management. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 7(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.22034/GJESM.2021.03.01
Brotosusilo, A., Utari, D., Negoro, H. A., Firdaus, A., & Velentina, R. A. (2022). Community empowerment of waste management in the urban environment:More attention on waste issues through formal and informal educations. Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management, 8(2), 209–224. https://doi.org/10.22034/GJESM.2022.02.05
Budijati, S. M., Astuti, F. H., Jatiningrum, W. S., & Muallif, R. (2025). Analyzing Used Cooking Oil Flow in Yogyakarta City: Advancing Circular Economy through Reverse Logistics Management. E3S Web of Conferences, 622, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202562201021
Erlina, F. (2025). Pengelolaan Sampah Berbasis Masyarakat Dalam Penguatan Kapasitas Kelembagaan Pemberdayaan Komunitas Perempuan Di Desa …. Jurnal Humaniora Dan Sosial Sains, 2(2). https://humaniorasains.id/jhss/article/view/157%0Ahttps://humaniorasains.id/jhss/article/download/157/172
Kresnapratiwi, R. G. I., Sholihah, H., Riniwati, H., Wike, W., Riskiyah, F., & Wardana, F. C. (2025). Women’s Participation In Waste Management (Case Studies Dau District, Malang Regency). Wacana Jurnal Sosial Dan Humaniora, 27(3), 121–125. https://doi.org/10.21776/ub.wacana.2024.027.03.04
M Ridlwan, H., Adifani, A., & Mufida, V. (2023). Application of an Automated System for Converting Waste Cooking Oil into Aromatherapy Candles. Recent in Engineering Science and Technology, 1(03), 13–25. https://doi.org/10.59511/riestech.v1i03.20
Malik, N., Cantika Yuli, S. B., & Suliswanto, M. S. W. (2018). Optimization of Waste Management Through Women’s Empowerment. Journal of Innovation in Business and Economics, 2(01), 37. https://doi.org/10.22219/jibe.v2i01.7274
Pahl-Wostl, C., Knieper, C., Lukat, E., Meergans, F., Schoderer, M., Schütze, N., Schweigatz, D., Dombrowsky, I., Lenschow, A., Stein, U., Thiel, A., Tröltzsch, J., & Vidaurre, R. (2020). Enhancing the capacity of water governance to deal with complex management challenges: A framework of analysis. Environmental Science & Policy, 107, 23–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2020.02.011
Ramadhani, A. N., Malik, A. F., & Fitriana, W. R. (2023). Utilization of Wasted Cooking Oil and Essential Oil of Sweet Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis) as Aromatherapy Candles. Equilibrium Journal of Chemical Engineering, 7(2), 191. https://doi.org/10.20961/equilibrium.v7i2.80308
Solihin, M., Doo, V. F. R., Huldi, A., Mahya, W. M., Aziz, M., Yahya, M. R., Adriana, N., Al Munawarah, N., Nurhidayanti, N., Rizkan, R., & Hemon, A. F. (2024). Zero Wastefor Creative Economy And Tourism In Kolo Asakota Village, Bima City. Unram Journal of Community Service, 5(4), 335–340. https://doi.org/10.29303/ujcs.v5i4.684
Sulistyawati, S. (2024). Household Waste Management Education for Dengue Fever Prevention in Murtigading Bantul. Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 5(1), 46–52. https://doi.org/10.32815/jpm.v5i1.1294
Winih, T. S., Wahyudi, A., & Marpuah, S. (2024). WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH WASTE RECYCLING AS AN IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN ECONOMY AT CV. WITAMA PLASTINDO. JURNAL AL-IJTIMAIYYAH, 10(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.22373/al-ijtimaiyyah.v10i1.23994
