Recycling Centers
Marine debris is a global pollution problem affecting tourism, marine life, maritime commerce and environmental commerce.
As tourism increases across Thailand the ever popular islands have become a dumping ground for plastic bags, bottles, cans, glass, packaging material and other non biodegradable debris.
This debris is then washed out to sea and destroys wildlife habitats, coral reefs, wildlife and then as it breaks down it enters our food chain having a harmful effect on ourselves.
On many of the islands around Thailand there are no facilities for placing waste into and therefore many lazy tourist think it is simply allright to throw there garbage on the beach .
As tourism increases across Thailand the ever popular islands have become a dumping ground for plastic bags, bottles, cans, glass, packaging material and other non biodegradable debris.
This debris is then washed out to sea and destroys wildlife habitats, coral reefs, wildlife and then as it breaks down it enters our food chain having a harmful effect on ourselves.
On many of the islands around Thailand there are no facilities for placing waste into and therefore many lazy tourist think it is simply allright to throw there garbage on the beach .
Affects On Wildlife And Us
We have witnessed first hand what discarded plastic is doing to wildlife.
We have seen turtles dolphins and whales mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish or other food sources and consuming them
Seabirds die when sharp edges puncture their bodies, others from starvation as their stomachs fill with plastic they cannot digest.
Though ocean borne plastic trash has a reputation as an indestructible, immortal environmental villain, scientists now realise that some plastics actually decompose rapidly in the ocean and research shows this is not a good thing. Degrading plastics are leaching potentially toxic chemicals such as bisphenol A into the seas, threatening ocean animals, and us.
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been shown to interfere with the reproductive systems of animals, while styrene monomer is a suspected carcinogen.
Evidence is mounting that a number of man-made chemicals can cause serious health problems - including cancer, damage to the immune system, behavioural problems, and reduced fertility.
The pollutants are likely to be more concentrated in areas heavily littered with plastic debris, such as ocean vortices, which occur where currents meet.
Keeping it Clean
By keeping the island beaches clean and free of debris this will help the wildlife and reefs survive and give us a better beach experience with our friends and family.
The recycle centers will also act as a visual cue and make the public aware of their surroundings and the important role they must play in keeping the island free from trash.
It is a small step in the battle to rid these island of the marine debris that is constantly left by the public - THIS IS POSITIVE PROGRESS !
The recycle centers will also act as a visual cue and make the public aware of their surroundings and the important role they must play in keeping the island free from trash.
It is a small step in the battle to rid these island of the marine debris that is constantly left by the public - THIS IS POSITIVE PROGRESS !
KOH SAK ISLAND
The first island we want to set up the recycling centers on is Koh Sak.
Situated 600 m from Koh Larn, and 10 km west of Pattaya, Koh Sak island is shaped like a horse shoe.
There are 2 connecting beaches, one in the north which is 250 m in length suitable for swimming. The other beach is smaller, situated in the south, just right opposite the one in the north. It stretches 80 m long.
The coral reef is remarkable in this area, ideal for snorkelling and diving and ocassionaly we see turtles and it has been known to have a whale shark visit quite recently.
(Please "Click" on the picture for enlargement)
Situated 600 m from Koh Larn, and 10 km west of Pattaya, Koh Sak island is shaped like a horse shoe.
There are 2 connecting beaches, one in the north which is 250 m in length suitable for swimming. The other beach is smaller, situated in the south, just right opposite the one in the north. It stretches 80 m long.
The coral reef is remarkable in this area, ideal for snorkelling and diving and ocassionaly we see turtles and it has been known to have a whale shark visit quite recently.
(Please "Click" on the picture for enlargement)
How You Can Help
All our work and our successes - helping vulnerable marine wildlife, habitats and communities around Thailand - are only possible with your support.
Please help us to continue our work and protect Koh Sak Island !
With Your Generous Donations We Can Begin To Save Our Precious Island and Marine Wildlife.