What can we do to make a positive change towards the Chao Phraya River System?

IntroductionThe Chao Phraya river is the main river source of Thailand. It runs through from Chiang Mai, which is the north of Thailand and to its mouth, on the Gulf of Thailand. Thai people use it for everything, such as trading, fishing, transporting, farming, and it is used in various activities for the Thais. It was once clean to drink from directly, but now, this river is filled with garbage, fertilizers and many other pollutes.

In order to improve the health of the Chao Phraya river system, we should encourage villagers along the Chao Phraya to switch from plastic bags to using starch-based polymer materials.

Indicators of the ProblemOn February 2014, NIST year 7 students went on a barge trip to observe the indicators of the Chao Phraya River’s health. We’ve seen many plastic bags floating around on the river and found out the effects of them in river system. These indicators show the negative effects of plastic bags in the river:

Qualities indicator of my problem

Current level Predicted positive trend if innovation is implemented

Dead fish Some fewer

Rotten food Some more

Clogged up waterways Some fewer

Waterfowl Some more

Plastic bags from street vendors

Lots fewer

Plastic bags from markets Lots fewer

Systems

Effects of Plastic BagsAs seen from the systems map, the plastic bags affect many people and animals on a regular basis. Because the are cheap, the street vendors use them and sell their products to consumers causing them to put the trash in the bins. But since Thailand has a lack of bins, the bins that are there are full and the leftover trash are taken by the wind and are eventually blown off to the river. And because some consumers do not care for

pollution and dirtiness or do not know, they directly throw away the plastic bags to the ground where again, wind carries it off. Plastic bags also cause fish in the river and waterfowls to die because they think that they are food for them, causing a decrease to animals near, or in the river. Sometimes, the trash and dead animals are washed off shore, clogging up the waterways and drains. Tourists seeing many dead fish and trash may not be returning to Thailand.

Perspectives on Plastic BagsHere are different perspectives of people and animals on the use of plastic bags:

Business people Business don’t really care much about plastic bags inasmuch as they just need to get to work fast, and conveniently. They do like plastic bags since they allow them to carry food easily and are light to work with.

Street vendors Most street vendors do not know that plastic bags are bad for the environment and some just don’t care. They use them because they are cheap and convenient to them and the consumers. They are quick to use and thin.

Marine life Plastic bags are a huge threat on marine life. They can be swallowed, wrapped around the bodies, and poison the water around them since they leach chemicals into the water. They also clog the waterways, preventing water to run through normally. Obviously, marine life loathes plastic bags.

Fishermen Fishermen do not like plastic bags in terms of fishing for fish. Plastic bags kill the fish and reduce the amount of fish in the river. They also poison the water with chemicals causing fish to die and make fish unhealthy.

Tourists Tourist do not like plastic bags at all. They want to take nice photos, without any trash floating around or on the ground, but unfortunately, there just is. The water is dirty and contaminated, not the perfect place for a ride along the river.

Why we should make a ChangeAs can be seen in the systems map, there are many different things that contribute to why there are plastic bags in the water. Some of the most significant reasons are:

● Lack of trash cans along the river● Causes fish to die and less fish for fishermen● Clogs up waterways from debris and dead animals● Littering from different tributaries lead to joining of rubbish

The key to changing the system is because of full bins and lack of bins in Thailand. This is an ideal point to make a difference because it will prevent the plastic bags from floating around in the air and eventually falling into the river. Plus, the non-biodegradable plastics floating around is actually a big problem in Thailand, causing less tourists and lots of trash to be found.

InnovationThis innovation is to educate people to use starch-based polymer materials instead of plastic bags.

This innovation will be effective for the following reasons:

NATUREPlastic bags are non-biodegradable, meaning they are unable to break down. Instead, they photodegrade, breaking down into smaller bits contaminating the soil and waterways. They are light and will float anywhere, so we see visual pollution. Animals see them as food, so they eat it and they get stuck in their throats. Plastic bags are an environmental hazard; they pollute and sully streets and waterways. In a report, approximately 1 billion seabirds and mammals die each year by ingesting plastic bags. Not only that, these poor animals suffer a painful death. The plastic wraps around their intestines or they choke to death.

If people use these starch-based polymer materials, then they will be sure to biodegrade and marine life will not ever have to face them. They are also reusable, thicker than plastic bags and will not fly away if left alone.

ECONOMYPlastic bags are obviously very cheap, sold in almost everywhere in Thailand. People can easily ask for extra plastic bags in street vendors and market places. Sometimes they are free and that causes people to buy more of it. They are under 5 cents per bag, which equals to 2-3 baht.

This invention surely costs more than plastic bags, because they are more strong and thick, and requires more resources than plastic bags but they do have a rough surface and lets you use it properly and conveniently.

SOCIETYPlastic bags are all over the world. People are used to it and still use them normally although they know that over 100 billion plastic shopping bags annually in the US. People are not proud of this fact, but they do not think much of what to do about it.

These ‘starch-based polymers’ are a bit expensive, meaning that poorer people will not be wanting to afford them. Rich people who actually think about how the future might be could use these. They are also more easy to use and more convenient. People beside the Chao Phraya might actually not be able to afford them too, unless more people use them and they are sold further more.

WELL-BEINGPlastic is awful for our health. They have chemicals in them, and when put in the river, the chemicals poison the water, causing the marine life to die. They are also unable to be put in the microwave because they can cause the chemicals to spread out.

People who use this will feel glad that they are using something that is kind to the environment and is able to recycle and biodegrade. People would love to contribute to help the world’s environment. They have the same looks, feels and flexibility plastics, so people will not have to worry about

ConclusionPlastic bags are a big threat to human nature. We use the most simple things so that are life is easier and more convenient. There are many things that could replace plastic bags, but human nature’s laziness takes over. Plastic bags have good points; they are lightweight, cheap, convenient, strong, disposable and are able to fold down easily. But, they are also awful for the environment, kills animals and makes us impatient. These ‘starch-based polymers’ do not affect the environment. They biodegrade and are reusable. They are a lot more strong than plastic bags and are also equally convenient. Humans can easily change from plastic bags to these materials, if we try and help. They may be a lot more expensive than plastic bags, but people should focus more on how they affect nature. We should make a change to this solution and live happily from the plastic world. We should contribute to positive things. We will reduce the use of plastic bags. So let’s skip the bag, and save the river!

Works Cited

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