Peking University, June 5, 2022: The 2022 World Environment Day kicks off with the campaign slogan: "Only One Earth", with a focus on "Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature". On this occasion, we are featuring three PKU Students and sharing their efforts to reduce eco-footprints on a daily basis through the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

01 REDUCE


Since tap water in Thailand is generally considered to be undrinkable, it is common for Thai households to buy bottled drinking water from chain convenience stores, which generates a lot of plastic waste every year. I also drink bottled water, and unfortunately, often find empty bottles everywhere on the floor.

As for how I reuse these plastic bottles, here is something I proudly present: homemade watering cans from plastic bottles. I’ve transformed different types of plastic bottles into watering cans used for different plants. For example, a plastic gallon will be used for larger plants and the smaller plastic bottles for smaller decorative plants or flowers (to not damage the plant from the water pressure created by bigger gallons).

Here is an idea for reuse I would like to share. As for a plastic gallon, the front half can be cut into a large hole, becoming more bucket-like, for faster filling and larger volume-pouring, suitable for taller trees and bigger plants. As for the cap of the gallon, it can be removed and used for watering smaller plants.


02 REUSE


I often try my best to reuse and recycle items, but oftentimes my laziness gets the best of me. However, it’s all a work in progress! Simply being able to take a part in this article has reminded me to be more environmentally mindful and to make more conscious decisions in terms of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials on a day-to-day basis!

I think I tend to try to reuse and recycle most. In terms of reusing, I tend to save a lot of paper and plastic bags I get from takeout, convenience stores, etc. and was able to organize them into a cardboard box I had lying around. This makes it easier for me to reuse these bags without having to put much effort into organizing them.


This system of organization makes it easier for me to reuse these items, and having an accessible storage place makes it easier to continue saving bags. This goes for disposable utensils I get such as plastic spoons or chopsticks from takeout as well!


In terms of recycling, I usually separate cans and bottles from the regular trash or throw food waste into the shared food waste basket on our floor. In addition to this, I also bring a reusable water bottle with me wherever I go, so that way, I can simply refill my bottle, and reduce waste created by buying plastic water bottles.


I also just received reusable food containers for when we get food to go. I can only imagine the amount of waste that’s added up by using plastic containers and bottles for all three meals per day. When we see waste created on a day-to-day basis, we often feel like it’s not much, but we forget how waste accumulates to a great amount slowly. This is why I’m glad Peking University has offered an option to use reusable food containers instead of plastic containers! I hope to use my food container every day and do my part to reduce waste!

03 RECYCLE


My home is my haven and a place where I treasure the most valuable things in life. Whether it's a lazy Saturday or other hectic workdays, being in my home takes all my stress away. Stood through concrete objects like bricks and walls, but strengthened through the foundation of love and compassion shared by five people living together, my house reflects my identity. Each tiny collection of small objects and decors embellishes stories about my family. And in no way would I ever accept having my home cluttered with unused items that take away its charm.

I always adopt a recycling habit to spruce up my living space. With a little use of creativity, I put plastic bottles and juice cartons to good use. I just cut off the bottom halves of the plastic bottles and plant seedlings in them. These nifty plant-holders are very easy to craft and are a great addition to my garden space.


Another recycled craft that I want to share is my DIY shoe rack. Instead of buying expensive and non-recyclable shoe racks, I just craft one on my own from any plywood that is lying around my house and carve it into cool designs! Besides, I always make sure to opt for things from the market that can easily be recycled.


In addition to this, I try to use items that are made up of recycled products. My family is very mindful of recycling, reusing, and reducing unnecessary environmental waste. My dad always carries cloth bags while going shopping for groceries, mom uses a countertop composter to stash away compostable food scraps for our garden. My brother and I are always bringing up ideas to reuse old cardboard and newspapers. It's always fun to sit together and craft baskets, photo frames, and gift boxes from old newspapers with him.


Almost everything that we use on a daily basis can be recycled. Materials like paper, plastic, metal, glass, furniture, toys, artefacts, vehicles, etc. can be given an exquisite design and reused! So, before you throw away things, make sure to consider reusing, recycling and contributing to reducing the waste burden on our planet.


We would like to wish you all a very  Happy World Environment Day! It's never too late to start practicing the 3Rs  and making an effort to keep your community green and clean. Let's make a collective effort to not just be environmentally conscious on World Environment Day, but on every single day of your life!

Writted by: Suniva Chitrakar, Aneka R. Rajbhandari
Edited by: Li Wanqi
Designed by: Vissly Chan
Photo credied to: Jessica Xu, Samata Bajracharya, Ponpawit Ponsongkrouk