Tips for recycling and reducing plastic use in Thailand

[oakdale160]

HHTEL--Itis a fundamental characteristic of Thai people that they do not make any comparisons between themselves and other countries and cultures. This is understandable for poorly educated, never traveled outside Thai people but even Thais who have lived abroad do not judge Thai by what they have seen abroad.

[hhinner]

HHTEL--Itis a fundamental characteristic of Thai people that they do not make any comparisons between themselves and other countries and cultures. This is understandable for poorly educated, never traveled outside Thai people but even Thais who have lived abroad do not judge Thai by what they have seen abroad.

My wife certainly does.

[Chazz14]

When I emigrated from the UK five years ago charging for plastic carrier bags was still "coming soon." It's now happened - but I think it took the best part of ten years to become active legislation. Not really too impressive for a "First World" country!

IMHO Green issues will only be taken seriously when various Governments around the world see them as vote winners and their self-interest kicks in...

As usual, Thailand is not looking seriously at this (or very much else) that is occurring outside it's borders.

[StevePIraq]

And Thailand considers plastic waste once in the sea is outside it's borders.

[Big Boy]

Mrs BB was told by the check-out girl at Tesco, Market Village this morning that they will no longer be providing carrier bags from 4 Dec.

[HHTel]

Great news, BB. Let's hope it becomes the norm elsewhere.

[PeteC]

I used to shop in many bulk/discount grocery stores in the US. None of them supplied bags, but they did make available the cardboard boxes that the goods they stock came in. There was never a problem finding boxes of the right size for what you had bought as there were hundreds of them on any given day.

It wouldn't be a bad idea here unless the staff or store has already absconded with them to sell for scrap value themselves. Pete

[handdrummer]

It wouldn't be a bad idea here unless the staff or store has already absconded with them to sell for scrap value themselves. Pete

A higher-up would have to suggest it, it would take months for a decision & would have to be touted as a Thai idea. But, it's a possibility

[Big Boy]

I had a hilarious Thailand moment today.

I've bitten the bullet, and have bought reusable bags in readiness for the 4th Dec cessation of carrier bags in Tesco. We put the bags on the belt first, expecting the checkout girl to pack today's shopping into them. No, TIT - reusable bags and today's shopping was packed into Tesco carrier bags.

[handdrummer]

Why would you expect her to use your bag, it's not the 4th of Dec.? Oh, I know, you expected her to think. Always a big mistake in Thailand. If you would have said, "Please use my bag," she probably would have looked at you as if you were from Mars.

[Big Boy]

I expected it because they are being sold as an alternative to the free carrier bags - maybe I presume too much. Or maybe she just thought another mug who has fallen for it. Whatever, at least I still have a sense of humour and saw the funny side.

[handdrummer]

The funny side is the only side that that keeps you sane.

[buksida]

The question is why the F are they only doing it for one day when the rest of the world is banning them outright.

6147b473545ad8c207edbb5a21141f17.jpeg (95.47 KiB) Viewed 134 times

Tomorrow (Tuesday, December 4) is Thai Environment Day, and the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry has all shopping malls and shops, including convenience stores, begging you to do without single-use plastic bags, at least for one day.

"One survey found that Thais on average produce 1.14 kilograms of trash per day, totalling 74,000 tonnes across the nation."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/ ... s/30359754

[handdrummer]

I'll do my part tomorrow, I won't shop.

[Big Boy]

Tesco are certainly in it for the long haul - they have said it will continue indefinitely, and I'm sure they have paper bags to replace the plastic.