MUIC Sustainability
Plastic bottles box

Recycle & Upcycle: Nature Lover Club’s ‘Drop 5 to Donate’

The Nature Lovers Club of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) has been raising awareness and encouraging sustainable consumption through a series of waste-sorting activities. The “Drop 5 to Donate” is one of them 

From 5 May 2023 to 30 June 2023, the club held “Drop 5 to Donate,” a donation drive, encouraging the MUIC community to donate empty plastic bottles and used papers to “Green Way” and “Send Plastic Home.” The waste would be recycled or upcycled into new products. This approach aligns with the Circular Economy, which strives to prevent usable waste from ending up in landfills and oceans. 

Beyond just raising awareness among its members about sustainable consumption, these events were designed to engage the MUIC community at large. The goal was to foster a sense of collective responsibility for sustainable practices. In total, 180 plastic bottles and paper were donated. The participating students expressed how they learned new and creative ways of dealing with trash along with being encouraged to be mindful of the environment. The promotion of sustainable practice strongly aligns with SDG 12 – Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. 

This is not the first time that the Nature Lovers Club has taken such an initiative. It has consistently organized waste-sorting events, some of which are highlighted below:  

  • “Bottle Caps – Twist & Drop” (6 February 2023 – 10 March 2023): This event gathered over 1,160 plastic caps, destined for the Precious Plastic Co., a community-driven plastic recycling initiative for recycling into new products such as plant pots and decoration pieces.
  • “Orphan Waste – Give Us What Can’t Be Recycled” (7-11 November 2022): Focusing on non-recyclable waste, this event collected materials for N15 Technology. This company uses non-recyclables as an alternative energy source.