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Phuket’s Green Initiative: Transforming Food Waste into a Low-Carbon Paradise by 2025

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Travelers visit Phuket airport in October

Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran

Phuket, the scintillating jewel of Thailand, is on the verge of becoming an eco-friendly wonderland with its latest initiative aimed at curtailing food waste. Imagine reducing daily waste by a whopping 15 tonnes! That’s precisely what Phuket plans to achieve with its revolutionary food waste management project, all paving the way to its transformation into a low-carbon utopia.

Janthima Duangsai, the brilliant mind steering the ship at the Environmental and Pollution Control Office within the Pollution Control Department, passionately shared that Phuket grapples with a staggering 1,000 tonnes of waste daily. It’s a Herculean task fueled by an influx of tourists—nearly nine million from January to September this year alone! The island’s mesmerizing allure has led to burgeoning business ventures, making effective waste management more crucial than ever.

Ms. Janthima revealed that a titanic slice of this waste—50% to be precise—is food waste. Its damp disposition hinders the brisk efficiency of Phuket’s sizzling incinerator, which diligently burns away 700 tonnes per day. A thorough investigation pinpointed fresh markets as the primary culprits, with hotels, colossal retail outlets, hospitals, eateries, educational institutions, spiritual havens, smaller stores, and homes following suit. Needless to say, holidays see these numbers skyrocket as islanders and guests revel in festive feasts.

This noble venture, courtesy of the benevolent Environmental Fund under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, will carry on its odyssey until April 30 next year. The epicenter of this journey will be three pilot districts: Muang, Kathu, and Thalang.

Here’s a sneak peek at what the plan entails: a meticulous food waste data survey, an innovative platform to manage this surplus, clever repurposing strategies, provision of state-of-the-art materials, and cutting-edge equipment to supercharge the efficiency of waste management. The campaign aims to enlighten the masses and keenly observe the project’s voyage as it unfolds, according to Ms. Janthima.

Rewind to last year: Phuket marked the maiden voyage of this eco-crusade by sealing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 17 fellow titans spanning the public and private sectors, birthing a robust project management committee. This team champions the holy trinity of waste reduction—reduce, reuse, recycle—and aims to weave these practices seamlessly into the fabric of households, retail outfits, hotels, dining establishments, fresh markets, and educational compounds.

“Unity is our strength,” ardently said Ms. Janthima, “and we beseech all sectors to unite in trimming down food waste as we repurpose Phuket as an Earth-loving, low-carbon tourism haven.”

Thiraphong Chuaychu, the astute deputy governor of Phuket, chimed in, acknowledging the monumental role of incinerators. While the island currently operates a lone warrior, the Ministry of Interior has graciously greenlit funds for a second burning beacon. Furthermore, the search for a third incinerator’s holy ground is underway.

“More incinerators, more prowess in conquering waste,” he impassioned. He also divulged plans for alchemical feats, like transmuting food waste into garden gold—fertilizer, and recycling used oil into zesty biofuel, crafting treasures from trash.

Thiraphong’s clarion call is for every sector to toil hand in hand to minimize waste fed into the smoldering maw of incinerators, to polish Phuket’s image as a province steadfastly committed to sustainability and a brighter, greener future.

29 Comments

  1. Joe November 30, 2024

    I think this initiative is amazing. It’s about time we start treating our planet with more respect!

    • SkepticalGuy November 30, 2024

      Sounds good on paper, but do you really think people will change their habits easily?

      • Joe November 30, 2024

        True, change is hard, but it’s worth trying. Education and awareness can make a huge difference.

      • EcoWarrior88 November 30, 2024

        If we don’t start somewhere, we’ll never make progress. Phuket is setting a great example!

  2. Larry Davis November 30, 2024

    I have been to Phuket and I could see the waste problem. More initiatives like this one are necessary.

    • BeachLover81 November 30, 2024

      Totally agree, Larry. Waste is a big issue globally, not just in tourist spots like Phuket.

  3. Grower134 November 30, 2024

    Turning food waste into fertilizer and biofuel is not just good for the environment but also economically smart. More places should follow.

  4. Patricia November 30, 2024

    Does anyone really think more incinerators are the answer? We should be focusing on reduction and recycling.

    • ThriftyJim November 30, 2024

      Incinerators might not be perfect, but we need them now as a stopgap while we improve recycling methods.

      • Patricia November 30, 2024

        I see your point, Jim. It’s just that burning trash seems like sweeping it under the rug to me.

  5. FutureEnviro November 30, 2024

    Hats off to the activists pushing for this initiative! Saving a gem like Phuket from waste is a win for all.

  6. Rick M November 30, 2024

    Not sure why resort areas are burdened with this responsibility. Shouldn’t large corporations contribute more to these efforts?

    • Susan T November 30, 2024

      Corporations definitely need to step up, but local initiatives can drive meaningful change.

    • EcoWarrior88 December 1, 2024

      It takes both community actions and corporate responsibility, Rick.

  7. EcoGuru November 30, 2024

    Isn’t it ironic that tourism, a major pollutant, is also funding these clean-up initiatives? Talk about a vicious cycle!

  8. Jamie December 1, 2024

    I’m curious about how they plan to change the culture of waste. Just doing a campaign might not be enough.

    • Gina L December 1, 2024

      Culture change is slow, but campaigns can start conversations and set expectations, Jamie.

  9. EcoVoyageur December 1, 2024

    If Phuket can do this, there’s hope for other popular destinations worldwide to follow its lead!

  10. Rob G December 1, 2024

    I don’t understand why they’re only targeting a small percentage of waste. Seems like a small fry solution to me.

    • Tina B December 1, 2024

      Because baby steps are still progress, Rob. I’d rather tackle one problem at a time than do nothing.

  11. TravelerTom December 1, 2024

    Are they planning on taxing tourists to help offset the cost of these projects?

    • WanderlustJane December 1, 2024

      Let’s hope not, a lot of people might not visit if extra costs are added.

  12. ScienceSimone December 1, 2024

    It’s a positive start that they focus on data and innovative recycling, which shows promise for scalability.

  13. Gary G December 1, 2024

    Would love to see a timeline on when results will actually start showing.

    • Larry Davis December 1, 2024

      The article said the project goes until April next year, so maybe we’ll see some results by then, Gary.

  14. LittleMissSunshine December 1, 2024

    This is such a beautiful place, it would be a shame if it got ruined by waste. Hope the plan works!

  15. Economist123 December 1, 2024

    Curious about the economic impact of these initiatives on tourism and local business. Anyone have insight?

  16. YogaLover December 1, 2024

    Phuket’s natural charm is something that needs protection for future generations. Happy to see such initiatives.

  17. Sarah December 1, 2024

    I read about similar initiatives in other countries. It’s inspiring to see Phuket on board. Fingers crossed for success!

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