urban ‘NICE’ for the Environment

Urbanites’ Environment 101

Environmental concerns are the global top pressing issues. We are not living in a time of prevention but rather a time when we should find solutions to nature’s responses and turn the situation around. One of the causes of this centuries-long environmental issue is our production and consumption. This year Bangkok Design Week 2023’s goal is pushing towards urban‘NICE’zation. Our prioritized mission is to revitalize the environment and create a greener city. If we change our ways of life, be mindful of our consumption which affects nature–air, water and waste pollution would be reduced. Our life’s quality will surely get better. Let’s explore some ideas for change from each individual–like us. Where could we possibly start in tackling environmental issues in this Bangkok city?

Proper Waste Management

The waste problem has been here for such a long time that we (shouldn’t) somehow get used to it. Thailand is not familiar with the concept of ‘waste sorting’ where garbage can be reused or recycled. As an individual, we can start small on proper waste sorting and managing so that the waste management unit can recycle some and eliminate them properly.

Start a business and create goods from ‘Recycling’ and ‘Upcycling’

Anyone with a creative idea to upcycle garbage can make them a new merch or business that promotes a circular economy with environmental awareness.

‘Previous Plastic’ is an organization by a small individual who has a strong desire to manage waste issues and to promote goods production by recycling and upcycling plastic. There emerges a workspace providing full equipment and materials for people to try creating works from recycled plastic which promote both marketplace and connection that support the environment. This project started in another country, and somehow spread globally, making its way to Bangkok, Thailand as well.

Eat sustainably, be mindful of food waste

Not only just general waste but throwing away leftovers creates food waste. This is another threatening global issue as it takes natural resources and human resources to eliminate waste. This problem can be reduced if we are mindful of our eating behaviour, eat moderately, eat within the expiration date, leave no waste, and support daily fresh food from the community. 

However, this is not easy in the food industry. That is why ‘SOS Thailand’, an organization started distributing edible food (almost) waste from the supermarket and community for those in need, tackling food waste and ending hunger in one round.

Say Goodbye to Fast Fashion, Say Hi to second-hand and long live fashion!

The Fashion Industry has been on an A-list for creating waste. Fashion is about being IN a trend. A sudden change in style perpetuates people to wear them a few times, throw them away and get a new one–fast fashion, that’s what it’s called. This surely is affecting the environment and the organization involved in waste management. However, some fashionistas are well-aware that some come up with a solution. They create and encourage a second-hand clothes marketplace to prevent using more natural resources for more fashion products such as reducing pollution in the industry. ‘Fashion Revolution Thailand’ is a group of fashion-lovers who host events and campaigns to ‘reduce, stop, quit’ fast fashion. They encourage people to do a clothes swap or a group called ‘Reviv’ which offers clothes repairing services to lengthen the lifespan of your clothes.

Co-living with the trees and the ecosystem 

Green spaces or trees are an important factor for urbanites’ quality of life. They are the city’s lungs which help absorb pollution, take care of the ecosystem, including our body and soul and also little living creatures who share our city. The problem is in developing the city sometimes an uninformed tree-cutting occurs. Those who protect the trees are the heart of helping nature to grow along with the city.

‘Big Tree Project’ is one of the groups that is well-aware of environmental issues. They initiated ‘Ari Eco Walk’, a group that spread ideas about how to take care of trees and understand nature more with 60 parks around Bangkok. They help people to get in touch more with nature by hosting a walk-rally activity to explore plants and various ecosystems hidden in the area. People can get to learn more about insects, birds, squirrels and other small species including the hidden damp area in the community.

Supporting the creation of green spaces and getting closer to nature

As the importance of trees has always been emphasized, what we, urbanites, can do is push for more spaces for trees and nature where we can get closer and learn more about them. We do not need big spaces but we can do it by our means, as much as our space allows. We can plant a few trees within our space, more trees mean a little greener space!

‘We! Park’ is a non-profit organization whose aim is to promote public parks. They cooperated with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation to revive an abandoned area in Bangkok into a small public park for people. They also create a handbook for people who want to create a ‘Pocket Park’ or small green spaces in their communities.  

These are simple, yet very practical ways that we, people, can help reduce environmental problems. It would take us a lot of effort and will but it is within human abilities. Sustainable nature is in our hands! 

Anyone who owns any idea about tackling the environment, don’t just keep it to yourself. Let’s share and get creative with us in Bangkok Design Week 2023 to come. Let’s make urban ‘Nice’zation together!

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Bangkok Design Week 2023

urban‘NICE’zation 

เมือง-มิตร-ดี

4-12 February 2023

#BKKDW2023

#BangkokDesignWeek

#urbanNICEzation