Chula Zero Waste Hosts Trash Ranger and Brand Audit Programme for Youth

To commemorate World Environment Day 2026, Chulalongkorn University’s Chula Zero Waste initiative organised a Trash Ranger & Brand Audit programme that brought together young volunteers to promote environmental responsibility through hands-on action. Led by the Office of Physical Resource Management, the activity focused on collecting litter along Phaya Thai Road, including waste hidden in bushes within and around the university campus.

The initiative aimed to prevent rubbish from entering drains and waterways, reducing pollution and protecting local ecosystems and wildlife. After the clean-up, participants sorted the collected waste into different categories to ensure recyclable materials could be processed appropriately while non-recyclable items were disposed of responsibly.

Volunteers found a wide range of everyday litter, including plastic bottles, beverage cans, food wrappers, plastic bags, cigarette butts, and single-use containers. Some plastic bottles containing urine highlighted the challenges faced during the clean-up and sparked discussions about public hygiene, waste disposal, and social responsibility.

A participating secondary school student reflected that littering is influenced by multiple factors, including environmental awareness, personal behaviour, and broader social circumstances. The student noted that while environmental stewardship is essential, some individuals facing economic hardship may prioritise daily survival over proper waste disposal.

The programme encouraged youth to develop a deeper understanding of sustainability while promoting collective responsibility for cleaner, healthier communities.