BKK Magic Hands
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, LPT initiated the PET to PPE project. However, the alleviation of the pandemic meant that personal protective equipments (PPE) were no longer in high demand. LPT wanted a way to keep recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. Thus, we collaborated with the Department of Environment, Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), PPP Plastics, Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment (TIPMSE), Youเทิร์น by GC and Z-Safe and turned our attention to another dire issue: fatal road accidents involving street sweepers. Each year, there are 4-5 accidents involving street sweepers. BKK Magic Hands aims to reduce plastic waste and protect workers by collecting and turning PET bottles into reflective safety garments.
Concept
Clear PET bottles (also recognizable by the number 1) can be turned into safety garment for street sweepers. These garments will have a reflective tab in accordance with the EN20471 guidelines.
42 PET bottles = 1 street sweeper garment & costs 930 baht to make.
Plastic bottles can be sold to make up for the cost (making one garment is equals to selling approximately 90kg of clear PET bottles).
How to Get Involved
Option 1: collect PET bottles and recycle
Collect clear PET bottles. You do not have to wash them. However, they should be dried enough that the bottles will not cause any safety hazards. You do not have to remove the cap or any labels on the bottle.
Press the bottles so they are flat.
Drop off your bottles at the most convenient district office such as the (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration) to be turned into safety garments.
Any leftover plastic from this process will be sold to recover the cost of producing the garments and support the street sweepers further.
Option 2: donate to BKK Magic Hands
The donation will be used to cover the cost of producing the safety garments for the street sweepers. Donations can be made to the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI):
Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) Krungthai Bank (PCL) Muang Thong Thani
Account Number 147-1-13740-6
Email a receipt of your donation to pinyada@tei.or.th
For more information you can reach out to the most convenient Public Park and Clean Section District Office or access the Department of Environment's website.