A few weeks back the Recycling Rangers expanded our recycling outlook to Thailand and were pleasantly surprised to see that recycling appeared to be much more apparent than in Malaysia. Although there were many trashcans filled to the brim with plastic bottles and other recycling materials there were definite efforts to improve the build-up of plastic around the country. For the first time in Southeast Asia we laid our eyes on a recycling bin! Unfortunately after peering inside we discovered that there was probably more waste inside than recyclables but it still gave us hope that the recycling message was being put out there. Another suggestion towards Thailand’s steps towards a greener tomorrow was the use of glass bottles instead of plastic or cans. We witnessed trucks collecting crates and crates of these bottles to return back to the factory to reuse again. At one point we purchased a glass bottled drink at a convenience store and the owner asked us to pour the drink into our own bottle so that he could later recycle it. Very exciting when you consider the plastic bottle pile-ups found all around Penang! At some places in Thailand guesthouses even got creative with reusing their recyclables. I may have just been for convenience but we can pretend it was their green conscience! Along the beaches Red Bull and various other cans and bottles were used as torches or even borders along a pathway.
1 comments:
Fascinating and inquisitive!
In my beloved hometown of Vancouver, Canada, a monetary return on all recyclable beverage containers (plastic, glass, metal), is offered to anyone who will return them to a bottle depot. These depots are widespread, and not only has this system resulted in much less recycling in landfills and on the streets, but it is also an occupation and income source for many of the city's homeless. From the depot, the recycling which is pre sorted is then sold for a profit which keeps the depots functioning and encourages their proliferation. This system works well here,perhaps it could also serve as an example in your country?
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