Kasetsart University has organized activities/ projects to change office supplies utilization behavior. These projects conducts with minimal cost or none, to reduce the use of energy and environmentally friendly behavior modification, such as reducing waste by reducing use, recycle and reuse.

3.1-1 Kasetsart University joined in the meeting with CP All Public Company Limited on the campaign to reduce the use of plastic bags in 7-Eleven convenience stores and to develop  7-Eleven stores as energy saving convenience stores. The Co-Working Space are renovated for students as well. (Figure 3.1-1)

Figure 3.1-1 : Meeting with delegates from C.P. All Public Company Limited.

3.1-2 Canteens and cafeterias within the campuses joined the campaign on reduction of plastic usage (Figure 3.1-2)

3.1-3 All organizations must adapt to the changing world or social trends. Therefore, Kasetsart University cares for the importance of using information and communication technology in the management. Therefore, KU organized the development project of electronic office system, Internet and website.  To bring such a system as a channel to provide knowledge, information and communication to receiver in terms of economic of time, budget, manpower and operational process. Besides, respond to government policies that require electronic system administration, such as the use of email in newsletters and circulars, the use of e-meeting systems to replace paper. Using a document scanning system instead of the original document and use social media technology to communicate instead. (Figure 3.1-3)

3.1-4  Kasetsart University initiated paper saving projects in offices/faculties such as using of double-sided paper for recycling purposes. It is because realizing that losing of many trees in the paper production process. Every sheet requires a tree as the main resource for production. Consequently, it is better to know that cutting trees affects ecosystems, so using paper effectively should be consider such as double-sided paper using (recycled paper, paper sorting, reused paper) for recycling purposes. Knowing the value of trees will reduce the loss of national resources. And most importantly, it helps the country to save energy in times of crisis. (Figure3.1-4)

3.1-5 Toxicant containers, especially the foam boxes of food, bring danger to daily life. Toxic substances can be absorbed and accumulated in the body. Besides, foam and plastic directly affect environment. Kasetsart University is aware of the problem, so the University has launched a campaign to reduce foam by asking for collaborate from restaurant owner to stop using foam food boxes and replace by non-hazardous materials for health and the environment. In addition, the University labeled the campaign sign around the cafeteria and buildings to urge traders and students. (Figure3.1-5)

3.1-6 The reuse of materials or packaging such as paper, glass, metal and plastic are considered, because ‘single use’ causes overwhelmed wastes. For example, the repeated use of drinking glasses is activated due to the fact that it can be washed to use again. (Figure3.1-6)

3.1-7 The over use of plastic bags caused intensification of global warming. The more plastic bags are used. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the Earth’s atmosphere from burning in production activities, followed by many problems from pollution. For this reason, Kasetsart University is aware of the environmental sustainability of sustainable future, the University organized a campaign to use fabric bags instead and recycle plastic bags. (Figure3.1-7)

Kasetsart University is aware of the importance of recyclable waste management  by encouraging all sectors to participate in the reduction of usage and separation and recycling of waste. 

3.2-1 Upcycling is the conversion of waste materials or non-functional products into a new product of higher quality and value by design. This is the creativity to change garbage to be environmental friendly products and take social responsibility into account.     An ‘AKU Upcycling’ designer team of the Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University has developed abandoned items and bring back to beauty and ready to use again by creative ideas. (Figure3.2-1)

[Figure 3.2-1]

Chairs made from natural materials such as bark, chaff, coconut fiber and paper.

[Figure 3.2-1]

3.2-2 Kasetsart University has promoted waste sorting. Garbage bank is a form of operation to promote the separation of solid waste. Educational institution is the best place for students to understand and raise awareness the mechanism of waste separation. To reduce the amount of solid waste that needs to be landfilled, and at the same time, students have also created a separate bin to save budget. (Figure 3.2-2)

[Figure 3.2-2]

3.2-3 Using of cloth bags is an alternative option to reduce waste. It can alleviate global warming problem. It also fits for shopping on daily life. Consumers will be able to participate in environmental management by using a cloth bag instead of a plastic bag. (Figure 3.2-3)

[Figure 3.2-3]

3.2-4 Global warming alleviation is the most important agenda for everyone. Therefore, the University organizes related activities to share the same understanding and build awareness of students and staff about this situation so that they can change behavior in daily life that caused global warming. (Figure 3.2-4)

[Figure 3.2-4]

          There are many wastes emerge from various test procedures In the laboratory. This is the risk factor that must be managed systematically, to prevent chemical spills and spread into the environment outside the laboratory. The waste management consisting of: 

          – sorting waste

          – collection and storage of waste.

          – waste treatment and disposal

3.3-1 Classification of waste

Sorting waste from the laboratory is easier and safer than conventional method. It also reduces the cost of disposal as well. There is no suitable type of waste disposal system for all types of wastes, so waste sorting makes it possible to choose the right solution. We should separate hazardous and non-hazardous waste and must be studied before sorting. The main hazard qualities of the substance to be considered are combustion, explosions and oxidation. The secondary are toxicity, corrosion, contaminated waste and radioactive waste, etc.

3.3-2 Collection and storage of waste

       It is advisable to separate the chemical waste in the waste storage room or cabinet in order to be safe. If container is leaking or spilling, it may cause severe reactions. Toxic gas can cause a fire or explosion, even if the containers are separate. Compatibility of chemical should be considered. Do not put some chemical waste close together. 

3.3-3. Treatment and disposal of waste

           The laboratory should have a priority management process before disposal as follows:

1. Pre-treatment waste means that a less hazardous waste which can be disposed by the lab before disposing it into the public sanitation system.
2. To reduce the danger of storage and transportation, hazardous wastes that cannot be eliminated by the lab should be delivery to the disposal company or agency. 
3. The laboratory has a pre-waste management approach by reducing of the amount of prior chemical substances which can reduce end-use waste later. For example, the use of non-hazardous substitutes to hazardous chemicals or the reduction of chemical reactivity, etc. It will cause the least hazardous waste before eliminate.
4. The laboratory reduces the amount of hazardous waste that cannot be eliminated on its own before sending the company to get rid. It can save on removal costs.

5. Reuse, Recovery, Recycle of waste 

                   – Reuse is to recycle waste materials without changing or doing anything. Except for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

                   – Recovery is the separation and collection of materials that can be recycled from waste such as minerals, energy or water through process and / or extraction. The acquisition does not necessarily be used as same as the original purpose.

                  – Recycle is the use of recycled materials which quality of it changed by the process. Its physical properties is changed but chemical composition is still the same. (Figure 3.3-1 to 3.3-3)

            At present, the increasing amount of waste that cannot be eliminated on time. It causes a problem on accumulation of waste and environmental pollution. More than 50% of all solid waste is organic waste such as food waste, vegetables, fruits and weeds. Fortunately, the organic waste can be transformed into fertilizer so it is a change of value. It can also reduce problems on the waste management system, waste disposal costs, and the amount of waste that needs to be disposed in less landfill.

3.4-1 The Project on Biogas and Water Fertilizer Production is an organic waste management project from the on-campus restaurant. It promotes learning and research resources for students and staff, and is also used for plant maintenance and soil improvement. (Figure 3.4-1)

3.4.2 A project on compost in beautiful garden is a project that can help reduce the amount of organic waste, fallen leaves and twigs by landfill and used for soil improvement in the campus. (Figure 3.4-2)

3.4-3 Using of a hacking machine to separate weed which can be fermented as fertilizer. It adds nutrients to the soil as well. In addition, methane emerged from this process can be used as a renewable energy for cooking. (Figure 3.4-3)

3.4.4 Many cows of the University’s farms produce manure. 200 cows will produce about 2,400 kg of excrement feed a day. We will get fresh manure about 72,000 kg. in a month, and around 864,000 Kg. in a year. We will have fresh manure and it can get a lot of fermented fertilizer pellets which can also be sold. (Figure 3.4-4)

3.4.5 Kasetsart University has a large area of ​​rice fields for research. Moreover, The University plays a role as distributor in order to directly sell good quality rice to consumer. To do that, the University has rice mill of its own and buy unmilled rice from farmers, husked and packed in a bag for sale. Consequently, a rice mill under supervision of the university gets many residue, such as husk, chaff, straw, etc. from the paddy process. Therefore, 30 percent of paddy residue will be recycle as fertilizer in planting rice process again. (Figure 3.4-5)

There are many factors to consider when you have to choose the right method of waste management as follows: the amount of waste, kind of waste, tools, premises, benefits, and cooperation of students and staff. Daily dumping wastes consist of a various waste. The quantity of waste has different ratios. Inorganic waste is one of the waste that Kasetsart University pays more attention to.  As a result, inorganic waste is likely to increase from many activities that occur on the campus. Many offices of the University manage their inorganic waste to reduce the amount of inorganic waste to be landfilled by the university as a whole. 

3.5-1 Repair an old water tank by skilled technicians and reuse it. This can reduce costs instead of buying a new water truck. (Figure 3.5-1)

3.5-2 Upcycling is a project to develop products or materials made from recycled materials to promote and support the recycling of waste at all levels.  The objects of the project are to use waste as a substitute material or to create new products, as known as green products. In addition, to reduce the amount of waste and scrap materials to be sent to landfill facility. Green products are innovated from creative design. Products made of recycled materials are tagged under green labels. This generally describes products that integrate environmental responsibility into the product that is from the design process until the end of production. Besides, relevant issues are considered as follow : minimum energy required, least waste/residue and health safety and environmental friendly are considered as well. (Figure 3.5-2)

 [Figure 3.5-2] Scrap Shop of the Faculty of Architecture sells products made from recycle waste.

[Figure 3.5-2] Products made from industrial wastes.

3.5.3 To decorate places for special occasions of the university, such as agricultural fair or retirement party, etc. from reused materials which come from unused material transformation.  (Figure 3.5-3)

3.5-4 Inorganic wastes, which cannot be recycle, will be sorted and sanitarily disposed by the university. (Figure 3.5-4)

Kasetsart University recognizes the importance of wastewater management. Many activities produced waste water so quality improvement through the healing process was conducted. Some recycle water can be reuse in some activities to reduce costs of buying water. It can reduce the pollution of waste water before draining into the environment. 

3.6-1 : Blue print of waste water drainpipes on Bangkhen Campus (Figure 3.6-1)

3.6-2 Constructed wetland has been increasingly popular in Thailand. Kasetsart University has encouraged the use of such wastewater treatment systems in the campus. It is high efficiency in water treating from contamination of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, suspended solids and heavy metals. Besides, cost of construction is low. Operation and maintenance of this system based on natural processes. It combined with wetland plants growing. This is an important part of promoting on environmental conservation and biodiversity. (Figure 3.6-2)

3.6-3 Kasetsart University uses an aerated water treatment system called Activated Sludge, a biological wastewater treatment system. The aerator will add oxygen enough for microorganisms in the water so much that can use to decompose organic matter in wastewater. It is faster than natural degradation. The Activated Sludge system is effectively treated wastewater. It is based on the working principle of microorganisms under oxygen conditions. The aerator not only add oxygen to the water but also stirred water in a pond. The organic matter can be decomposed thoroughly within the pond. (Figure 3.6-3)

3.6-4 When wastewater without treatment is discharged from buildings, whether near or far from water source, it will affect water quality. It deteriorates natural water source.  It cannot be used for consumption. Therefore, the University installed grease trap to treat wastewater to prevent wastewater pollution from buildings. It is a simple technology and a good way to reduce severity of water pollution. The grease trap removes the fat from draining effluent of dishes washing and cooking utensils. (Figure 3.6-4)

3.6-5. Students are allowed to involve in the skills and techniques of collecting and analyzing wastewater samples in the University. The wastewater quality analysis can be used as a guideline for wastewater management for maximum efficiency. It is also a good way to maintain a sustainable environment. (Figure 3.6-5)