UPCYCLING WASTE MATERIALS: TRANSFORMING RICE STRAW.
USED PAPERS AND JEANS
INTO AN ECOBAG
Rationale/ Introduction
- In a global perspective, according to Smith 2022 & Johnson 2019), the accumulation of waste and its
detrimental / harmful impact on the environment have become pressing concerns.
- In Thailand, data showed in the last 4 years since 2019, aside from Air pollution caused by Industrial
emissions, solid waste management is also a pressing concern in the country with 25 million metric tons of
solid waste produced in 2020 with just less than 400 proper waste disposal sites.
- Despite increasing awareness and various recycling initiatives, limited output has focused on transforming
three different materials into a new functional item.
-Since Landfills overflow with discarded items, exploration of sustainable solutions the promote conservation
and waste reduction.
-Upcycling the process of converting waste materials such as rice straw, used test papers, and jeans into
functional item is what makes this project promising.
- Thus, this project aims to address the problem of inevitable waste accumulation and resource depletion.
Problems
Air pollution in Thailand is mainly caused industrial emissions. Ozone pollution in Thailand has been
increasing for decades, reaching around 45.5 parts per billion in 2019. Aside from air pollution, solid
waste management is also a pressing issue in the country. With more than 25 million metric tons
of solid waste produced in Thailand in 2020, there are less than 400 proper waste disposal sites.
(Statista research department 2023)
Landfills overflow with discarded items, necessitating the exploration of sustainable solutions that
promote resource conservation and waste reduction (Anderson et al., 2020; Brown, 2018).
Upcycling, the process of converting waste materials into new and valuable products, offers a
promising approach (Williams & Thompson, 2021).
This study aims to address the problems of waste generation and resource depletion by
investigating the feasibility and significance of upcycling used paper, shirts, and jeans into innovative
shoulder bags designed specifically for teachers and students. Despite increasing awareness and
various upcycling initiatives, limited research has focused on transforming these specific materials
into functional and stylish bags (Adams et al., 2017; Green & Lee, 2019). This study aims to bridge
this gap by examining the design possibilities, market potential, and environmental benefits of
upcycled shoulder bags made from used paper, shirts, and jeans.
Social Impact
For the environment. By diverting waste from landfills, this output contributes to waste reduction efforts,
minimizes resource consumption, and mitigates environmental pollution (Johnson, 2020; White & Smith,
2016).
For the school. By repurposing waste materials to create affordable and eco-friendly bags, addressing the
practical needs of teachers and students (Robinson, 2018; Brown, 2021).
For the people. By showcasing the transformation of waste into functional products, this study also aims to
promote sustainable consumer behavior and inspire individuals to make eco-conscious choices (Miller, 2023;
Thompson & Green, 2022).
