BANGKOK, Aug 30 (TNA) – The Thai Chamber of Commerce announced its Circular Economy campaign for the reduction of plastic waste and proper disposal of food waste, calling for an end to Styrofoam boxes and fees for plastic shopping bags.
Harald Link, chief of the chamber’s campaign, said about 120,000 members of the Thai Chamber of Commerce were pushing for the circular economy, focusing on the proper disposal of plastic and food waste. In the campaign they were joining forces with the government and other private organizations for the sake of sustainable development, he said.
Besides, the Thai Chamber of Commerce hired the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) to study the sources of and measures to cope with waste in the sea. Most sea waste was plastic waste while food waste was a big problem because it accounted for 60% of solid waste, Mr Link said.
TDRI president Somkiat Tangkitvaich said marine debris came mainly from waterside communities and shops, seaside tours, substandard landfills, fishing boats, cargo ships and neighboring countries. Plastic bags, Styrofoam boxes and plastic shopping bags formed the biggest portion of the waste, he said. He proposed the government ban the use of Styrofoam boxes and require consumers to pay for plastic shopping bags.
Sauwanee Thairungroj, President of University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said the campaign targeted students, communities, operators and tourists.
Awareness among students could be created via their lessons. Social media, influencers and YouTubers can raise the awareness among communities, operators and tourists. Best practice awards can be presented to the hotels that properly handle their food waste and food surpluses may be donated to the poor, she said. (TNA)
