Walailak University Extends Sustainable Consumption and Plastic Minimization Policies to Suppliers by 2023

21Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University has implemented policies, regulations, and measures aimed at reducing the use of plastics and single-use packaging. These guidelines extend to outsourcing suppliers, including vendors supplying goods, equipment, and materials, as well as food vendors and external individuals operating in food centers or shops on the university premises. The policy also applies to suppliers of office equipment and those contracted by the university for the construction of buildings and infrastructure on campus. This policy was reviewed in 2023 from policy titled Walailak University Announcement on the Policy to Reduce Single-Use Plastic Waste at Walailak University, initially established in 2019. The reviewed policy was implemented as a practical guideline and has been actively enforced throughout the year 2023.

Walailak University has implemented a policy that requires operators, vendors, and suppliers to prioritize environmentally friendly products, equipment, tools, and materials that promote reuse and recyclability. The university encourages and mandates that online sellers, who use the campus for delivery services, select eco-friendly or reusable packaging for shipping. This initiative aims to reduce packaging waste from production processes, making the operations safer and more sustainable.

Besides, the university focuses on educating vendors about food sanitation practices (following the Department of Health’s regulations), managing food establishments, maintaining service quality standards, and understanding other relevant guidelines. This ensures that food services provided on campus adhere to proper food safety and sanitation standards, giving consumers confidence that they are consuming high-quality and safe food.

In 2023, Walailak University promoted and supported vendors, suppliers, and external service providers to engage in activities that align with the university’s goals for sustainable production and consumption. These efforts are aimed at reducing food loss and waste throughout the supply chain, under the university’s policy on minimizing plastic waste and the use of single-use items. The university implemented the following initiatives:

1. Vendors, operators, or outsource suppliers are required to stop giving out free plastic bags with handles. For ready-to-eat cooked meals, vendors must use recycled plastic bags, biodegradable plastic, or paper bags.

2. Foam boxes (synthetic containers) and degradable plastic bags are no longer permitted for use by vendors, operators, or outsourced suppliers.

3. Vendors are required to switch from single-use plastic cups to either bioplastic-coated paper cups or reusable cups.

4. A discount is offered by vendors for customers who bring their reusable cups when purchasing beverages.

5. Vendors are asked to reduce the distribution of single-use plastic utensils (e.g., forks, spoons, and straws), only provided upon customer request.

External vendors, service providers, and various businesses operating within Walailak University have strictly adhered to the university’s announcements to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment. The university encourages and supports the use of environmentally friendly materials, products, and equipment by office suppliers and construction contractors working on campus. These initiatives aim to reduce the usage of single-use items, conserve energy, reduce pollution, and protect public health. Additionally, certain products can be reused or involve recyclable construction materials. External vendors and service providers have implemented the following building contracts:

1. Reusing Wood Materials: External contractors have adopted the use of reclaimed wood from old buildings and structures, repurposing it for flooring or decorative features that add unique character while reducing the amount of waste produced.

2. Use of Feltech Insulation: Contractors use Feltech soundproof and thermal insulation made from 100% polyester fibers, with 85% of the materials being recycled. This insulation reduces sound transmission by up to 45 decibels and improves energy efficiency by maintaining room temperature, cutting energy consumption by 50%.

3. Energy-Saving Windows with Built-in Blinds: Contractors have designed windows with integrated blinds, which are energy-efficient and combine light-filtering technology with insulated glass. These windows reduce heat radiation, block UV rays, and help cool the interior of the buildings, thereby improving energy efficiency.

4. Solar Panels with Organic Designs: Contractors have integrated solar panels made from organic materials into the design of building facades. These panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing the need for artificial lighting and promoting energy conservation while also enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the buildings.

Currently, the university has also successfully reduced waste generated by visitors, students, and staff through various methods. These include encouraging the use of cloth bags and baskets to minimize the use of plastic bags, promoting the use of refillable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles, and discouraging the use of disposable items. As a result of these policies, the usage of plastic trash bags has significantly decreased.

In addition, the university actively campaigns for students, staff, and employees to reject the use of plastic bags and instill a Zero Waste mindset, encouraging the reduction of waste through personal responsibility. This includes bringing reusable cloth bags for shopping at the university market and allowing everyone to contribute by reusing bags. Walailak University Hospital has also acted under the project “Bring Your Cloth Bag for Medicine, No Plastic Bags to Ease Global Warming and Stuff in the Bins,” promoting environmental consciousness.

The university has embedded the 7R principles which are Refuse, Recycle, Reuse, Refill, Repair, Return, and Reduce, into the daily practices of students and staff, aiming to minimize waste to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the university encourages sharing these practices with family members, colleagues, and friends to foster a waste-free society. Through these efforts, Walailak University is committed to creating a cleaner, more sustainable world, and helping preserve the environment for future generations.