From Temples to Technology: How One Monk is Tackling Plastic Pollution in Thailand’s Largest River
Plastic pollution is a complex problem. Humans have been mass-producing plastic for decades – estimated at more than 9 billion tonnes since the 1950s – with little regard for where it will end up once its useful life is over. Most of the plastic produced ends up as waste and plastic waste can now be found on every landmass on the planet, and in every ocean in the world. Meanwhile, plastic production is still increasing with the result that plastic waste is predicted to triple by 2040. Recent research shows that approximately 80% of the plastic in the ocean is transported there by rivers. This statistic highlights the significant role rivers play in contributing to oceanic plastic pollution, making them a prime focus for people determined to tackle the problem.
Meet Phra Mahapranom Dhammalangkaro (below). He is Abbott of the Wat Chak Daeng temple in Thailand that overlooks the Chao Phraya river, the largest in the country. It runs through the heart of Thailand, including through the heavily populated provinces of Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan. This river carries 4,000 tonnes of plastic into the ocean every year. Much of it is simply washed from cities and towns into the river by floods and rain but some is illegally dumped.
Dhammalangkaro was distressed at the state of the river, which he remembers as a clean swimming spot from his youth, so he started recycling plastic bottles beached on the riverbanks. This led to a collaboration with Seven Clean Seas, an organisation dedicated to building scalable solutions to plastic pollution. Together, they launched the Hippo, a solar-powered boat that they hope will remove 1,400 tonnes of plastic from the river each year – about a third of the total currently being dumped into the ocean.
The Hippo works like this: a floating boom pushes plastic items floating in the river onto a solar powered conveyor belt which transports them to a waiting bin, ready for collection, sorting and recycling. It’s a simple device that is having a real impact and Seven Clean Seas hopes to roll out future versions of this device in other polluted rivers around the world.
How You Can Help
While innovative technologies like the Hippo are making strides in the fight against plastic pollution, individual actions are just as crucial. Each of us can contribute to preventing plastic pollution by making more sustainable choices in our daily lives. Simple steps like reducing single-use plastic consumption, participating in local clean-up efforts and supporting legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste can make a significant impact. By staying informed and making conscious choices, we can all play a part in protecting our rivers, oceans, and the broader environment from the devastating effects of plastic pollution. That’s why we encourage everyone who cares about the health of our planet to unleash the power of 3:
- Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the beach, waterway… or anywhere
- Take 3 actions to reduce your single-use plastic
- Take 3 people on the journey with you
Image credit: The Guardian
