Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations worldwide. Sustainable projects are therefore essential to protect the country from environmental problems of any kind.
Paradise beaches, unforgettable sunsets, lush jungle and touching hospitality: that's what Thailand is known for!
These 5 sustainable projects ensure Thailand's beauty is preserved.
Bye bye plastic!
The fact that plastic is a major threat to people, animals and nature is well known in Thailand. The topic got attention especially when pictures of a dugong, with plastic-filled intestine circulated in the media.
Since January 2020, approximately 25,000 retail stores nationwide no longer carry single-use plastic bags. The goal is to also ban other single-use plastic products, such as Styrofoam food containers, plastic straws and plastic cups, by the end of 2022.
To also curb the scourge of microplastics, Thai authorities have banned the import of health and personal care products containing microplastics. Microplastics are used in facial scrubs, for example. In order to find an alternative for the diverse material, Thailand is investing in alternative bioplastics made from cassava or sugar cane together with various international companies.
Take the nets from the sea
The fishing industry makes up a large part of Thailand's economy, but has particularly negative consequences for the environment. Protective measures are therefore long overdue. This is where the "Net Free Seas" project comes in, freeing Thailand's waters from discarded fishing nets. Coastal communities collect the nets for this purpose and process them further. An activity that not only protects marine life, but also supports local villages.
Local fishermen collect the so-called ghost nets, clean them gently and then press them into blocks. In a recycling company, these blocks are processed into pellets, which then serve as the basis for new products.
640,000 tons of fishing nets are left in the oceans every year and then endanger marine life. Whales, dolphins, turtles and seabirds, but also coral reefs are then endangered. Project coordinators from the organization discuss with local fishermen how they can implement the project there.
Straw becomes plastic
From rice straw as a waste product to a plastic alternative? That's possible!
The start-up Fang Thai uses this raw material to produce rice paper and disposable tableware. In this way, the straw, which is actually burned, is not only put to good use, but no harmful CO2 is produced. The start-up provides work for local rice farmers, who were often unemployed after the harvest. In addition to recyclable packaging, Fang Thai also produces notebooks and other individually designed stationery items.
Rice-only better
Thai rice farmers face several risks; chief among them are crop losses caused by pests. These are partly due to indiscriminate use of pesticides and poorly organized crop protection. To ensure food security for Thai society and avoid crop losses, education on more sustainable rice cultivation can do wonders.
A quarter of the Thai population is employed in agriculture. The project encourages local farmers to be more strategic about pest control and to use personal protective equipment. The Better Rice Initiative Asia therefore provides education on sustainable rice cultivation and pest management. Rice farmers learn how to use pesticides responsibly and what alternatives are available.
Watches from elephants?
Who knew elephant dung could be so stylish? The brand Hyperdesign Lable transforms elephant dung into watches. To do so, they use a formula of 70 % elephant dung and 30 % mulberry paper and biodegradable PVA. In the Thai north, paper and photo frames have long been made from elephant dung. It reduces waste in elephant camps and helps protect the environment because it contains no bleach. And what's more, it makes sure you're always on time!
Sustainable tourism
Besides all these measures, it is also important to make tourism more sustainable. Therefore we offer unforgettable adventures which strengthen the local economy and respect the environment.
If you want to learn more about Thailand, learn about the pristine national parks, beautiful beaches and delicious cuisine of the country
With further travel inspiration we provide you on Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and with our digital postcards.
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