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Plastic waste management in rural areas, particularly in tourism villages, remains an environmental challenge that requires sustainable solutions. Negeri Tongging Village, as a tourism area around Lake Toba, has experienced an increase in household plastic waste that has not been managed optimally, potentially affecting environmental quality and community well-being. This community service activity aimed to enhance community awareness and capacity in plastic waste management through the implementation of a circular economy approach based on a waste exchange program and ecobrick production. A participatory approach was employed by actively involving the community in all stages of the activity, including socialization, program implementation, and evaluation. The program was carried out during the 2025 Community Service Program of Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, consisting of circular economy socialization, collection of plastic waste through an exchange scheme with basic necessities, training on ecobrick production, and the provision of supporting facilities for environmental cleanliness. The results indicate an increase in community participation and environmental awareness, a reduction in improperly disposed plastic waste, and an improvement in community skills in processing plastic waste into useful products. In addition, the activity strengthened mutual cooperation and environmental responsibility among community members. In conclusion, the application of a circular economy approach through ecobrick-based activities can serve as an effective alternative solution for plastic waste management while simultaneously supporting sustainable community empowerment in rural tourism areas.

The objective of this mentoring activity is to increase the capacity of swimming pool managers, particularly in strengthening management and sustainable management strategies. With this increased capacity, it is hoped that Tirta Arum Swimming Pool can develop into a valuable village asset, both economically and socially. The swimming pool will not only provide a source of income for the village but also serve as a means of recreation, education, and social interaction for the surrounding community. The method used in this mentoring activity is Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), an approach that emphasizes active community participation in every stage of the planning process, decision-making, and program implementation. PRA enables village communities, including Tirta Arum Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) managers, to analyze their environmental conditions, identify problems, and design contextual and sustainable solutions. This approach is implemented through structured mentoring, education, and training activities. Direct community involvement aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility for swimming pool management. In addition, with training tailored to local needs, managers are expected to be able to apply effective management principles, from planning and financial management to customer service and promotional strategies. Thus, the results of this activity are not only temporary improvements, but also long-term empowerment that contributes to the independence and business aspirations of the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes). Through the PRA method, this activity not only provides an immediate solution to swimming pool management problems but also increases the independence of the community and managers in developing and operating the business sustainably. This increased community participation is expected to foster a sense of ownership (a sense of belonging) towards the swimming pool as a shared property.