Chiang Mai Iam operation

Starting February 1, the project will seek to reduce garbage in Chiang Mai by 30 per cent, to persuade at least 9,999 local households to install oil skimmers, as well as to make organic food available at 99 more outlets.

"To achieve these goals, we will inspire Chiang Mai residents to clean up and take care of their own hometown," the project's manager Nuttaphong Jaruwunnaphong said recently.

The Thai Health Promotion Foundation has given a Bt9million budget to the project.

"This all started from studies that reveal the many illnesses in Chiang Mai," Nutthaphong said.

He pointed out that Chiang Mai residents' quality of life had clearly deteriorated in the face of worsening environment and growing health threats. "This reflects that locals' happiness index may be plunging too," he added, "But if the locals join together, they can make a better change".

Anyone interested in actively participating in the Chiang Mai Iam should visit www.ourbetterchiangmai.org.

Chuenkamon Tusaranon, a DJ at Sunshine Radio Chiang Mai 105.75, said everyone could help, regardless of their age and their career. "If we act responsibly on our part, everything will be fine," she said.

Currently, each resident in Chiang Mai Municipality generates up to 2.12 kilograms of garbage on average - the highest in the country. Even Bangkok residents generate just 1.5 kg of garbage each. Across the country, the average garbage amount per head stands as low as 0.5 kg.

"When we burn garbage, we cause air pollution," Chuenkamon pointed out.

Non-governmental organisations, academics, local media, government agencies and experts from various fields have now stepped in to help kick-start the Chiang Mai Iam project.

Nutthaphong said participating organisations were contributing to this project using their own expertise. For example, TV Burabha - a leading TV production company - has offered to train young-generation people for the Chiang Mai Iam operation. The training participants will produce 16 documentaries about Chiang Mai in a bid to make the public understand they should help in solving their city's problems.

The project will launch aggressive campaigns to win public attention and public participation on January 31.

"We will evaluate the results in 99 days. We want to see concrete results. We will not just launch campaigns to create public awareness," Nutthaphong said.

He added that if the Chiang Mai Iam operation created satisfactory results, it would be a success model for other cities to follow.

"The theme will be the same but other cities may need to adjust details to suit their local settings," Nutthaphong said.

Urban residents outside Bangkok may not need to wait for months before they start doing something to improve their town, though.

By simply separating their garbage or recycling their old stuff today, they can make a difference right now.

Chularat Saengpassa

Chularat@nationgroup.com