Prince of Songkhla University PSU Phuket recycle bank

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Introduction : Our special report today looks at a recycle waste program which can generate educational funds for needy students. The program was initiated by the Prince of Songkhla University, Phuket campus. Let’s see how they do it:

Paper waste is wisely transformed into fashionable outfits and the models join in a long drum procession going towards a local temple in a religious ceremony of charity, annually practiced by Buddhists to raise funds for charity or community purposes. The idea was initiated by students of Prince of Songkhla University’s or PSU Phuket campus, who work along side local businesses to encourage students, educators and members of the public to donate their second hand material or materials they do not need, then the students can get cash for these used or waste material. They consider this like making merit so they set up an emergency fund for students who are in need, to lend them money for educational purposes. The idea is people separate waste from home, then bring to deposit with the waste recycle bank book. The waste then becomes a saving for students. Plastic or glass bottles, paper or any unused material is usually just waste which can also cause environmental hazards in the campus. If people separate waste from their offices, homes, households, dormitories or classrooms, then bring the material here, it can be reused or recycled to sell to the recycle bank for students’ funds; it not only adds value to what we call waste, but can also help reduce the amount of excessive waste going into the disposal process and then we can also take better care of our environment.

Narongkorn Pendmaak, Vice Chairman of the Recycle Bank told us: “The whole process of recycle bank is operated by students with the dividends shared every month. The main objective is really for waste reduction in the campus. It’s a win-win situation: we get cash with less waste.” Siriporn Pimol, a PSU student, said: “We usually buy bottles of drinking water everyday. So most of my waste consists of plastic bottles. This scheme also promotes garbage collection in the campus.” Chutika Sriwirat, a PSU student, concluded: “The recycle bank for students’ funds at Prince of Songkhla University’s Phuket Campus is established to provide emergency loans for students in need. It opens every Wednesday for the sellers to deposit their waste for cash and those who wish to take loans. It’s another good effort to take care of our environment.”