[3.2] Program to Reduce The Use of Paper and Plastic in Campus
3.2-1 Kasetsart University has cooperated with the public companies to apply for reduction of a one-time used plastic products in convenience stores or restaurants in university. This program is upon agreement of the Sustainable University Network of Thailand or AC-SUN. The network, is under the Council of University Presidents of Thailand, collaborated with the government and private sectors. The purpose is concurring to Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN), Target 12. It is the responsible consumption and production Plan. The current urgent agenda is to reduce the amount of single-used plastic and disposable products. The goal is to create a new standard for environmental friendly living.
[Figure 3.2-1]
3.2-2 Many of restaurants and cafés at Kasetsart University recognize the important policy of reducing of one-time used plastic. Therefore, there is special discount of giving in campaign is applied when buyer bring their own mugs or food boxes.
[Figure 3.2-2]
3.2-3. Kasetsart University awares of global problems today. Hence, all departments of Kasetsart must adapt to change the world. The Information technology plays an important role in management of the university. It replaces conventional system such as paper work. Development projects i.e. e-office system, internet and website development are applied. These systems are used as a channel to transfer knowledge, information and communication between each other. The benefit of these systems are prompt operation, budget and manpower saving. It also reduced workflow. The e-meeting system is used as a replacement of paper work. Usage of scan document system instead of the original document and use social media to provide knowledge and communication etc. are also parts of action.
[Figure 3.2-3] E-meeting system. The e-meeting system is used as a replacement of paper work. Using social media oparation replacing paper comsumtion
[Figure 3.2-3] Sharing knowledge and information by social media
3.2-4 The paper saving campaign of Kasetsart University is still ongoing. This idea emerged from awareness of loss of a large amount of natural resources in paper manufacturing. Every paper made from tree, and cutting off trees effected ecosystem. Paper is related to our daily life inevitably. Whereas, the more we use paper, the more trees were cut down. Hence, to stop loss of natural resources of nation, productive consumption of paper should be considered. Many saving energy projects to save country in crisis such as using two-pages paper, paper separation (picks white papers out from color papers) and recycle paper were brought to apply in the university.
[Figure 3.2-4] Student and staff of the university joined many green activities.
3.2-5 Kasetsart University aware of food packaging products issues in daily life especially, foam food boxes which effected to health. Toxic substances accumulated in the body. In addition, foam and plastic are other major problem which affect directly environment. Therefore, the university request cooperation from seller at the canteen to reduce and discard foam food boxes consumption and look other materials that are not harmful to health and environment to replace. Besides, the university managed a campaign to promote this ideas by setting banners at the cafeteria and buildings.
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[Figure 3.2-5] Say No to Foam campaign banners
3.2-6 Packaging materials such as paper, glass, metal and plastic can be reusable. The “Single-use” causes excessive wastes. So, repeated using of materials, for example glass, helps maintain good environment. Due to the fact that it can be washed to use again.
[Figure 3.2-6] Reuse of glass and bottle of water
3.2-7 Plastic waste is a major cause of global warming. The more consumption of plastic bags is increased, the more carbon dioxide emission is released to global atmosphere. This will bring many pollution issue to the world. There are currently more campaigns about using plastic bags instead of plastic bags in today’s society. Therefore, many units of the university organize a campaign on using of cloth bags and plastic bags reusing.
