Tips for recycling and reducing plastic use in Thailand

[PeteC]

Dead Philippines whale had 40kg of plastic in stomach

A dead whale that washed up in the Philippines had 40kg (88lbs) of plastic bags inside its stomach, researchers have said.

Workers at D'Bone Collector Museum recovered the Cuvier's beaked whale east of Davao City earlier in March.

In a Facebook post, the museum said the animal was filled with "the most plastic we have ever seen in a whale".

There were 16 rice sacks in its stomach, as well as "multiple shopping bags"..........

Full story, photos and charts at link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-47608949

[PeteC]

Video

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia- ... in-plastic

[HHTel]

The European Union parliament has overwhelmingly voted to ban single-use plastics such as straws, forks and knives by 2021.
The ban was backed in a 560-35 vote on Wednesday, and will affect a range of plastic products including plates, balloon sticks and earbuds.

And what has Thailand done? I don't think I've used a plastic bag for two years or more, except for wet produce from Makro and the like. Many 7/11's outside of HH do ask if you require a bag. I've not come across one in HH. Even my two local 7/11's still automatically put even the smallest items in a plastic bag. I have to stop them and show that I have a bag already, like they can't see!! Each time I've asked if there are many bringing their own bag, I'm told "No, just you!". Hard to believe but just standing outside and observing, you'll see lots of people leaving the shop with ONE item in a bag.

Despite all the publicity of late, the general public here just don't seem to care!!

[handdrummer]

Despite all the publicity of late, the general public here just don't seem to care!!

If the locals could figure out a way to make a profit out of not using plastic bags, they would stop using them. Of course that would require that severe shortage, thinking, so it won't happen.

[HHTel]

[PeteC]

phpRUYXZRAM.jpg (40.29 KiB) Viewed 613 times

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/world/ ... s#cxrecs_s


Humorous, not really!

In the sea since the 1980's and not only the casings but the electronics and wires still not yet deteriorated.

Another vivid example that 2 seconds of stupidity to allow an item to wash into the sea will damage the planet beyond measure long after you are dead.

People are placing a curse on their most beloved, their descendants.

[Ralfredo]

Like everyone else I also get a lot of plastic bags from 7/11, Tesco and other stores. But I use those bags for garbage and recyclables like cans and bottles. For me, it's more or less an even game. The bags I bring home I need for garbage and the like.

You that don't want plastic bags in the store. Where do you put your garbage? I hope you're not buying specially made plastic bags for garbage on a roll because that would be really strange...

I don't like keeping food leftovers inside the house longer than necessary so I take out garbage at least two or three times a day and that takes care of my plastic bag problem.

[HHTel]

so I take out garbage at least two or three times a day and that takes care of my plastic bag problem.

Your problem solved but causing untold problems elsewhere. Research has shown that the sea life that are consuming plastic, which we throw away, gets into the bloodstream therefore affecting the seafood we eat and poisoning ourselves on a very small scale........ at the moment.
Where do you think your plastic bags end up?
At our age, we probably won't see the damage done in 20, 30 years and beyond. But our children will!!


Since plastic bags weren't introduced until the 60's and didn't become popular in many countries until much later, what on earth were people using before.

There are lots of ways of disposing of household waste. You can make pretty strong bags from the Bangkok Post (easier with a spreadsheet), composting, sorting your waste before bagging, etc etc.

We all have an imagination. Use it.

[Ralfredo]

Where do you think your plastic bags end up?

Get burned? Anyway, if the bag ends up in the sea, I'm more worried over the content of the bag that also probably ends up in the sea. When I take out one garbage bag, the bag itself is a very small part of the total amount of waste.

[HHTel]

But it's that very small part (the bag) that kills the wildlife and adds to the massive trash islands, not the contents. The contents are probably organic.
Sorry, but you're arguing with the wrong person. There is no argument imo that excuses the use of plastic. I grew up without plastic and I don't remember it being a problem.

The article above re Garfield which shows plastic which hasn't deteriorated in 30 or 40 years.

[buksida]

More plastic bags are just worsening the problem. 80% of household waste can be recycled - plastic bags cannot, they need to be banned here but Thailand is very backwards when it comes to environmental issues - it is not a priority for the government.

[PeteC]

Very happy to see this yesterday. This is in a small town with perhaps 5% of the restaurants there are in Hua Hin, which means to me this trend away from foam containers to paper containers will spread. Rapidly I hope.

Fyi, the two containers in the photo sat in the fridge overnight with food in them and this morning they are still firm and tight.

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[Big Boy]

Sory Pete, I guess they're not the regular foam containers, but they look the same. What are they actually made from please?

[PeteC]

Smooth paper/cardboard as mentioned above. Can rip them up easily and burn them, although I didn't torch the whole thing, just an edge. Smoke was white so no plastic or any type of foam in there. There's some type of thin varnish on them to prevent the paper from getting saturated.

[Big Boy]

HaHa, I've read the post 6 more times - I don't see mention of paper/cardboard. Must be the age I guess. Agreed, good initiative.