Walailak University’s Action Plan for Reducing Plastic Waste
Walailak University (WU) has adopted a comprehensive action plan and set of guidelines to reduce plastic waste on campus, eliminate the distribution of handled plastic bags and foam packaging in food establishments, and promote sustainable consumption practices. This initiative supports the university’s Green Campus Policy, particularly its fifth strategic goal: “Enhancing the image of WU as a Happy Green Campus.”
Key Focus Areas
Plastic waste management measures have been implemented across WU Food Centers, shops, food kiosks, and restaurants. All vendors are prohibited from distributing handled plastic bags and foam containers, helping reduce waste at the source in line with the 3Rs principle: Reduce, Reuse, and Reject.
2022–2025 Plastic Waste Action Plan
The university’s action plan aims to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills by targeting single-use plastic items such as bags, bottles, and tubes. The plan is supported by the following initiatives:
- Awareness and Behavioral Change
- Campaigns encourage students, staff, and the wider community to adopt discipline in reducing single-use plastics.
2. Guidelines on Single-Use Plastics (2023)
- All campus shops and stores must use 100% recycled or biodegradable bags instead of handled plastic bags.
3. Reusable Containers Program
- Discounts are offered at all food outlets when customers bring their own reusable containers, promoting sustainable habits.
4. 5S Methodology in the Workplace
- WU applies the 5S principles (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) to reduce plastic use in offices and actively promotes this policy across departmental websites.
5. Green Dormitory Project
- Led by the Walailak Marine Conservation Club, this project engages students in activities that combine marine conservation with plastic waste reduction, reinforcing WU’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Commitment to a Green Campus
Through these integrated measures, Walailak University continues to strengthen its role as a leader in sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship, working toward its vision of a truly Green and Happy Campus.
Policies for Supporting the Reduction of Plastic Waste on Campus
In addition to its action plans, Walailak University (WU) has issued policies demonstrating its long-term commitment to reducing plastic waste on campus. These include the Policy on Single-Use Plastic Waste and Disposable Item Reduction B.E. 2566 (2023) and the Policy on Marine Pollution Reduction B.E. 2567 (2024).
Policy on Single-Use Plastic Waste and Disposable Item Reduction B.E. 2566 (2023)
Walailak University officially issued this policy to encourage all stakeholders—students, staff, vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors—to minimize the use of single-use plastics and disposable items across the campus.
Under this policy, faculty members and students shall reduce the use of single-use plastic in their daily routines, while all WU organizations shall minimize the use of disposable materials and electrical equipment used for education and research purposes.
To strengthen its efforts, the university shall:
- Stay updated with relevant government regulations and guidelines;
- Monitor marine environmental conditions and assess potential pollution risks;
- Integrate marine pollution reduction practices into educational programs, research, and academic services; and
- Implement land-based pollution control measures, including runoff management, discharge regulation, and waste management systems.
Furthermore, Walailak University shall promote proper waste segregation, recycling, and the use of reusable materials. Public awareness campaigns and community outreach activities shall be organized to encourage local participation in marine conservation. The university will also collaborate with national and international partners to exchange knowledge and strategies for marine pollution reduction. Innovative technologies, such as digital and satellite monitoring systems, shall be adopted to enhance implementation efficiency.
Policy on Marine Pollution Reduction B.E. 2567 (2024)
Recognizing that plastic waste is only one of many factors contributing to marine pollution, Walailak University issued this policy to improve the overall health of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The university is committed to maintaining and improving environmental standards related to water, air, noise, and other environmental conditions in accordance with national and international requirements to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity both on and off campus.
Walailak University shall:
- Implement preventive measures to control waste, hazardous substances, wastewater, particulate matter, and other pollutants;
- Monitor and assess marine environmental conditions regularly to detect pollution and degradation;
- Integrate marine pollution reduction into academic programs, research, and university services; and
- Strengthen land-based pollution control through effective runoff management, discharge control, and waste management systems.
In addition, the university shall prioritize waste segregation, recycling, and the reduction of single-use plastics, while promoting the use of reusable materials. Public awareness and community engagement campaigns shall be conducted to foster participation in marine conservation.
Walailak University shall also collaborate with national and international organizations, academic institutions, and local communities to exchange knowledge, resources, and best practices for marine pollution reduction. To further enhance these efforts, the university will explore and adopt innovative technologies, including digital and satellite monitoring systems, to support ongoing environmental initiatives.
Goal 14: Life Below Water
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals