Garbage, or garbage management, is a problem, that much is clear. It's estimated that last year, 27 million tonnes of rubbish was produced across the country, yet only 19% was collected and disposed properly, and that left the country strewn with trash.
Trash Hero is a campaign to encourage people to complain less and start doing something. Co-founded by Swiss residents and villagers on Koh Lipe in Satun province in 2013, Trash Hero Thailand has invited locals and tourists to come together and collect garbage on beaches and islands once a month. Its actions have encouraged the belief that every little effort counts in the battle against trash, especially in touristy areas. The movement received the prestigious Green Excellence Award 2015 and the concept has been picked up worldwide. Two and a half years later, Trash Hero has 23 versions in five countries, and with the help of nearly 12,000 volunteers.
In Thailand, the movement has gained momentum and more participants on Koh Lipe, as well as on Ao Nang in Krabi province, in Chiang Mai, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Songkhla, Trang and now in Bangkok.
Trash Hero Thailand will have its first community clean-up in the capital this Sunday from 3-6pm to collect garbage in the community around Taco Lake of Bang Phli district in Samut Prakan province.
Eric Schnitzler, volunteer at Trash Hero Thailand in Bangkok, says the campaign plans to have regular clean-ups.
"We started here simply because our office is located here, thus we need to help clean up the community around us. Hopefully, this will generate awareness about the problem," said Schnitzler, who also works at Starboard, the private company that helps finance this campaign. Usually, the Bangkok clean-up will be held once a week. Yet, right now, Starboard will finance a monthly clean-up. The campaign is looking for more partners to help run weekly clean-up events.
The event is expected to set a trend for raising awareness and jump-starting real action. The first clean-up will be sponsored by Starboard, the world's leading provider of windsurfing gear and standup paddleboards.
The place to meet is Taco Lake, on the 13km of Bang Na-Trat. From there, the volunteers will spread out to do clean-ups in various areas. The first 100 participants will get free T-shirts and refillable water bottles. It's recommended to bring sun protection and suitable shoes.
-- Anchalee Kongrut
Those who want to participate can inquire at
