Paper recycling and education : a comparison of programs in Bangkok, Thailand and Hobart, Tasmania

The aim of this study was to examine the paper recycling programs undertaken in schools and the role of other organisations involved in these programs in Bangkok, Thailand and Hobart, Tasmania. The strategies used in both places were compared to determine whether those employed in one place could be usefully applied in another. In addition, because schools do not function in isolation from their broader communities, the thesis also considered some aspects of wider recycling education. Surveys were conducted by interviewing two groups: representatives from government, private and non-government organisations involved in paper recycling education programs, whether for schools or for the wider community, and school Principals, teachers and students. The results demonstrated that, in Bangkok, the organisations involved in paper recycling had a major role in the implementation of the programs in schools. In addition, two factors crucially affected the programs: support from the Principals and from the teachers who carried out the programs and the relationship between the organisations involved and the schools. On the other hand, in Hobart, the Principals and teachers played a major role in developing paper recycling education programs in schools. The relationship between the organisations involved in waste management and recycling and the schools was not likely to be as important as it was in Bangkok. However, there were no significant differences in the strategies employed in schools in both cities. Strategies used were the provision of recycling bins and student monitors. To educate people in the community, public campaigns about recycling in both Bangkok and Hobart were run through publications (for example, booklets and pamphlets) and through mass media (such as television). However, television advertising on recycling in Bangkok required improvement. The thesis recommended that, in Bangkok schools, paper recycling bins could be provided in every classroom to increase the effectiveness of the programs. In Hobart, study tours at recycling plants and at dump sites, and school competitions could be conducted to encourage the implementation of the paper recycling program in every school. To achieve wider community education in Bangkok, recycling information to households (for example, using refrigerator calendars) and recycling bins for households could be provided. In Hobart, more co-operation is needed among organisations to create recycling education programs both for schools and for the community in general. Financial support is a major need and was found to be a similar obstacle to the production of materials and the implementation of recycling education programs both within and outside schools in Bangkok and Hobart.