THE PATH TO A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
The Green Road project has called for people to donate their single-use plastic bags and help make recycled paving blocks.
The project was initiated by Asst Prof Wechsawan Lakas, a lecturer at the Industrial Technology Department of the Science and Technology Faculty of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University.
Over recent years, the blocks have been used in various places including Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park in Chiang Mai; Ao Nang Municipality in Krabi; Samut Songkhram Municipality; Koh Mak in Trat; Koh Lan in Chon Buri; and Wat Umong in Chiang Mai.
The project has helped repurpose tonnes of single-use plastic bags, however, the Covid-19 outbreak has caused a huge rise in plastic waste.
According to the Thailand Environment Institute, online food delivery has caused a 15%-20% daily increase in plastic use. Most of the plastics are dumped with organic waste, making it more difficult for recycling. If single-use plastic bags are cleaned, they can be reused for making paving blocks.
According to Asst Prof Wechsawan, one recycled paving brick uses around 1kg of single-use plastic, or about 100 bags, mixed with 3kg of sand. Just 1m² of pavers can eliminate around 4,000 plastic bags.
The advantages of the green pavers are that they are tougher and about 30% lighter than normal blocks.
Anyone can do their part in reducing single-use plastic bag waste by sending them to the Green Road project. The initiative also produces mask strap extenders from the leftover rubber sheets. The products are for donation to medical professionals nationwide.
For donating, contact Asst Prof Wechsawan Lakas at 053-885-600, or you can send cleaned single-use plastic bags to the lecturer at Green Road Project, the Industrial Technology Department of the Science and Technology Faculty of Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. The university’s address is 202 Chang Phueak Road, Tambon Chang Phueak, Muang District, Chiang Mai, 50300.
— Karnjana Karnjanatawe