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Join a diverse, multidimensional and constantly developing volunteer program that focuses on recycling and sustainability in Thailand! The goal of this program is to clean up Sing Buri, repurpose plastic, increase awareness surrounding plastic pollution and work with machines that will make upcycling a simpler process.
Program Highlights:
Itinerary (Minimum one-week commitment):
Arrival Day, Sunday: Arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Participants will be picked up from the airport and taken to their accommodation. Settle into your new home for the week and get to know your fellow participants.
Day 1, Monday: Volunteers will receive an introduction to the program following breakfast. Participants will then walk around Tha Kham village and head to Sing Buri for essential shopping. Following lunch, volunteers will visit Wat Phikun Thong for an introduction to Buddhism. Upon return to the accommodations, volunteers will receive a Thai language and cultural lessons before attending a welcome party with dancing.
Days 2-5, Tuesday-Friday: Volunteers will work eight hours per day during the week. Tasks will vary, as the program is consistently improving and developing further. Volunteers should expect to be involved in cleaning roads and canals, sorting used plastic and creating awareness campaigns. Depending on the level of recycling knowledge, experience and/or duration of stay, volunteers may have the opportunity to get more involved in research and machine building projects. On Tuesday evening, volunteers will have the opportunity to visit the night market in Tha Kham. On Wednesday afternoon, participants can join a trip to the downtown area of Sing Buri. Wednesday evening brings the opportunity to enjoy a self-service, Thai-style barbecue. Thursday evening’s activity includes a trip to the local shopping mall.
Days 6-7, Saturday-Sunday: Volunteers can choose to work on their weekends, or can have these days free to relax or travel.
Program Accomplishments: This program has successfully engineered a recycling machine that melts and molds plastic into new products! This program is currently turning old plastic bottles into hair combs. Roughly 100 combs have been made so far from recycled plastic that was collected locally.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunches on weekends, airport drop off, personal expenses.
Sing Buri is a beautiful, Thai town located 142 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was founded during the reign of King Rama V through consolidation of three small towns located on the bank of The Chao Phraya River, north of Ang Thong. The town boasts an impressive collection of temples and colorful architecture that create the perfect backdrop for the numerous festivals held during the year.
It is estimated that by the year 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our oceans. In addition to plastic dirtying our oceans, it is killing already endangered marine species such as sea turtles, when they mistake plastic for jellyfish and eat it. More than 8 million pieces of plastic make their way into the ocean every day, killing more than 100,000 marine mammals and more than 1 million birds every year.
Plastic is also a toxic substance. The leaching of these toxins prevents Prochlorococcus, the species of bacteria that produces 10% of the oxygen that we breathe, from producing as much oxygen. This furthers the rising of CO² levels, worsening the climate change crisis.
The goal of this recycling workshop program is to create awareness, teach about global waste management systems and their challenges, create a sense of worth of plastic in local communities and conduct research on small-scale, low-cost recycling.
Volunteers should expect to be involved in collecting plastic before it gets to the ocean, sorting used plastic and creating awareness campaigns.
Current and future project goals include:
Please take note of this project’s minimum requirements:
Thailand’s central province of Sing Buri is home to a handful of temples and historical sites; and of course there is a nearby market waiting to be discovered! A few places for volunteers to explore on weekends include:
Wat Pikun Thong
Wait Pikun Thong is an ancient temple that is home to one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. This large golden figure is a famous symbol and a commonly sought-after destination for tourists.
Pak Bang Market
Over 150 years old, the Pak Bang Market is an essential go-to for those who wish to have a taste of Thai market food and desserts.
Mae La Maharacha Nusorn Park
This national park is an excellent option for volunteers who are looking to relax in nature by the Mae La River. There is a fish breeding and conservation project that is located in the park as well.
In Buri National Museum
The In Buri National Museum is located near to the Wat Bot Temple, and contains ancient artifacts from various historical areas of Thailand as well as Chinese ceramics.
Travel Extras (Not Included):
You can extend your stay with one or more great program add-ons for an additional fee. Here are the opportunities we recommend:
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