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This column is for self-study or classroom use and gives guided help with reading the wide variety of writing styles and topics that appear as feature articles in the Bangkok Post. The lessons include background information, skill-building practice and vocabulary explanations. September 23, 2003 Join the campaign INTRODUCTION

Today’s story here was published with the story in feature focus as part of a series on wastewater management in Bangkok. This is a do-it-yourself recipe for the organic mixture used by the groups featured in the main story. The story in feature focus is good background for the lesson here and there is some vocabulary help to make the reading easier. EIP, an environmentally friendly mixture in liquid form is released into Saen Saeb Canal. The mixture has proven very successful in cleaning the water of the canal and reducing the foul smell. Teachers: First, though this is recipe for a do-it-yourself method of helping in the campaign to clean up Bangkok waterways, it must be recommended that you work with students and families to ensure careful production and use of EIP. Use the information numbers at the end of the story for additional support. Whether you read the feature focus story with your students or not, you will want to read it yourself so you can help students understand how communities are involved with the clean up campaign. There is also vocabulary help there you can supply for students doing this lesson. As a minimum, have your students work in groups to prepare the information sheets suggested in the notes to students below. Students: Here’s what to do: First, look at the picture with the story and read the caption. The EIP mixture being poured it into the water has been made by community and student groups. The mixture reacts with the waste to make the water clean and better smelling. Read the introduction and the recipe in the story. Then talk with your fellow students, your teacher and your families to decide if your class could be part of the campaign to clean up the waterways near your home. If you decide to do the project, choose some people to talk with local market vendors to collect the supplies of leftover organic material you will need. Other class members can gather the equipment and supplies needed and organise the cutting and preparation of the material. Work in groups to prepare information sheets about what EIP is and how it can be used in the home. Distribute the sheets with the EIP when it is ready for use.

OUR STORY FROM THE BANGKOK POST Recipe for cleaner water The National Institute of Development and Administration (NIDA) is working with other organisations to solve the problem of foul waters in Bangkok's inner-city canals and waterways. Lemon mixed with molasses and water is used in producing Enzyme Ionic Plasma (EIP). — POONA ANTASEEDA They have invited concerned parties to help in the production of Enzyme Ionic Plasma (EIP) in liquid and tablet form to distribute to business operators and those who live along the city's canals. Below is the common method for producing EIP in liquid form: STEP 1: Gather three kilogrammes of fruit peel or leftovers (any organic material such as vegetable leftovers and peels can be used), one kilogramme of brown sugar or molasses, and eight to 10 litres of clean water. STEP 2: Chop and mix the material thoroughly. STEP 3: Fill 2/3 of a container with the mixture. Leave 1/3 of the container free for airspace. STEP 4: Cover the container for a minimum of 15 days, up to a maximum of three months. To get better results, keep the mixture longer. STEP 5: Skim the EIP off and bottle it for distribution. The remaining fermented mixture is combined with more leftovers and the process is repeated. EIP experts say that to produce the best results, fruits and other organic material with much water content are preferred, such as watermelons and pineapples. The mixture can be used for various purposes: To disinfect and deodorise toilets, mix one part EIP with 50 parts of water. The mixture will not only clean gunk from between tiles, it will also keep toilet, bathroom, and drainage pipes free from smell. To clear blocked drains, mix one part EIP with 50 parts of water and pour it down the drain. To purify wastewater, mix one part EIP with 50 to 100 parts of water. Pour into the wastewater to reduce smell and stop mosquitoes and other insects from breeding As a plant food, mix one part EIP with 500 to 1000 parts of water. Pour onto garden or onto potted plants, and watch your plants grow healthy. The remaining organic waste after harvesting EIP can be used as fertiliser. For more information, call the Agri-Nature Foundation, 02 361 6348 to 9 or 01 735 1403. For information on programmes and schedules, contact Dr Taeng-On Manjaiton at NIDA via telephone numbers 02-727 3121, 02-727 3000, 02-375 9111, 02-375 0941, or 02-375 6764. • This lesson was prepared by Maureen Paetkau, a professional teacher of English as a second and foreign language and Assistant Manager and Webmaster for Learning Post at the Bangkok Post. Read our other instant lesson here. Return to our home page. | Comments to Maureen at maureen@bangkokpost.co.th | | © The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. All rights reserved 2003 | Last modified: September 22, 2003