Environmentally friendly Loy Krathong: tradition meets sustainability!

Environmentally friendly Loy Krathong: tradition meets sustainability!

The Loy Krathong Festival is just around the corner and, like every year, it brings with it not only light and joy, but also a not insignificant amount of waste. Loud Thailand Plus Much of this waste is made up of hard-to-degrade materials such as foam and plastic decorations. These materials are not only harmful to the environment, but also contribute to microplastic pollution in our ecosystem. This is precisely why Surin Varakichthamrong, the head of the Department of Environmental Control (คพ), is calling on the population to rethink their behavior and celebrate in a more environmentally conscious way.

To make the festival more environmentally friendly, the department has developed some practical suggestions. The guiding principle of “One Family, One Krathong” encourages the use of smaller krathongs with fewer layers and mobile decorations. Reusing natural, biodegradable materials such as banana leaves and lotus flowers is also recommended. The digital version of the Krathong, which can significantly reduce waste, is also supported.

Sustainability in focus

But what about waste disposal? Panuwatt by The Nation reports that all krathongs must be collected by 5 p.m. the following day at the latest. However, in some areas of Bangkok there is no effective waste management, resulting in waste ending up in the sea. When manually sorting the krathongs, officials often face injuries as metal pins have to be removed from the traditional containers. In one district alone, 10 kilograms of these pens are produced.

The collected biodegradable material is not simply thrown away, but rather taken to a fertilizer factory where it is converted into valuable fertilizer. This ultimately serves to care for plants and trees in the city. What is particularly pleasing is that many festival visitors, especially young people, attend the festival not only for the celebration, but also out of an awareness of environmental protection.

Digital innovation

This year, an innovative way to minimize environmental impact is being introduced: tourists can float digital krathongs in a real canal. Participants can sketch their designs on paper and write down their names and wishes. These are then digitally implemented and visualized, which not only offers a modern experience but also promotes environmental awareness.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Municipality is actively committed to changing public participation in the festival, valuing tradition and cultural significance in equal measure, while not losing sight of the needs of the planet. There is a growing consensus that tradition and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand to keep the Loy Krathong festival alive for future generations.

The Loy Krathong Festival may be firmly anchored in its cultural roots, but the environmental impact is still an issue that should not be underestimated. By embracing simpler, more sustainable alternatives and technologies, we can ensure that this beautiful celebration not only goes down in history, but continues to bring joy - without harming the environment.