One person's trash is another's treasure is not an overstatement. This was proven at the "Trash To Treasure Art & Design Contest" where young people showed their creativity by upcycling waste. The contest was held as part of the Sustainability Expo 2023 (SX2023).
Out of 19 entries, E-waste For Save Hornbill won first prize in the 2D category. It was created by three students -- Achida Saoviriyakul, Tinna Phoncharoen and Neatheka Say -- from Rajabhat Buriram University. The 2D artwork, made from electronic waste, depicts an image of the endangered hornbill.
In the 3D category, Nok Noy Tham Rang Tae Por Tua (Live Within Your Means) won first prize. It was designed by three students -- Prodepran Thammapornpilas, Patchareeporn Boonwan, and Piengkawin Sinsawatt -- from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School. The sculpture depicts a red weaver bird made from discarded plastic bottles and a discarded ball.
Both teams were surprised with the results because it was their first time in a national competition. Prodepran, from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School, said the result was unexpected since other competitors were at university level.
"When I saw designs and creations from other contestants, I was surprised that people interpreted the theme of 'Trash and Treasure' in so many different ways. While our team was at the event in Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, our instructor took us to see eco-innovations. I used to think that people ignored the environment and the world. After seeing so many innovations and environmental technologies, it gave me hope," said Prodepran.
E-waste For Save Hornbill. Achida Saoviriyakul
E-waste For Save Hornbill
2D First Prize
Rajabhat Buriram University
Achida, Tinna, and Neatheka from the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Rajabhat Buriram University, came up with the idea of creating a hornbill image from e-waste.
Inspired by the abundance of discarded computer parts they encountered at the Department of Architectural Technology (their major), they decided to utilise the waste as their medium.
"We had not intended to participate in the contest, but we took the design seriously since it was our class assignment," explained Achida.
The choice of a hornbill as their subject came from Achida's visit to Koh Yao Noi in Phangnga, where she was captivated by the local community's conservation efforts.
"I was impressed by their efforts to protect hornbills. They constructed wooden nests for hornbills since the trees with hollows, which hornbills normally use as nests, have been destroyed. Additionally, locals grow trees and sort waste to improve the environment for hornbills. I believe there must have been at least 100 hornbills on the island," Achida said.
The team from Rajabhat Buriram University presents E-waste For Save Hornbill. Sustainability Expo 2023
"Hornbills typically reside in thick, lush and fertile forests. However, their habitat is experiencing negative effects from waste, including e-waste. We want to emphasise that e-waste can be harmful to wildlife and birds. In Thailand, there are not many organisations that can dispose of e-waste correctly. Most e-waste is sent to junk shops and left there. There is no proper disposal method to prevent hazardous substances from leaking into the environment. This has negative effects on the soil and groundwater."
E-waste For Save Hornbill stands out for its creativity and aesthetics. The black features of the hornbill were made of electrical wire. Achida explained that her team had to remove the core material from each wire one by one and used the black jacket as bird features. The yellow part which makes the hornbill's mouth is a component of an electric fan, which is the only part they had to purchase from an electronic junk shop in Buri Ram.
The artwork was praised by a judge who commended the trio for transforming hardware such as electrical wire into delicate avian features to effectively convey their message.
When E-waste For Save Hornbill was announced as first prize winner, everyone on the team shed tears of joy.
"We are the first team from Buri Ram to win this award. We didn't expect to win since we are from a rural area. The contest inspired us to participate in other competitions," Achida said.
"I believe that art can help improve the environment if there is extensive promotion and enough information provided regarding e-waste recycling. There is not much news in the media or from educational establishments about e-waste."
Making E-waste For Save Hornbill. Achida Saoviriyakul
From left, Patchareeporn Boonwan, Piengkawin Sinsawatt and Prodepran Thammapornpilas from the Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School. Sustainability Expo 2023
Creating Nok Noy Tham Rang Tae Por Tua (Live Within Your Means). Oratai Chuanniyomtrakul
Nok Noy Tham Rang Tae Por Tua
3D First Prize
Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School
Prodepran, Patchareeporn and Piengkawin from Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School believe that the environment is getting worse due to overconsumption. They decided to name their artwork after the proverb nok noy tham rang tae por tua (live within your means) to highlight moderate consumption.
The trio chose to design their sculpture based on birds' nests, which are constructed using natural materials. After observing various nests, the students were inspired by weaver bird nests due to their unique designs. They were also impressed that weaver birds make many trips to gather materials for their intricate creations.
"We were fascinated by the intricate and beautiful weave of the weaver birds' nests. However, we later realised that we were unable to replicate their complicated nests. Therefore, we designed our nest differently. Although we initially aimed to avoid using chemicals, we eventually had to use glue to attach papier-mâché, which became a part of the bird figure," said Prodepran.
With support from their school, the students collected discarded plastic bottles from a recycling bin. The plastic bottles were cut and woven to create the nest, and the girls found a black rubber ball and decided to use it as part of their artwork.
After working on their sculpture, the trio learned that artwork could be created from used materials.
"Raising awareness about using discarded materials for artwork can help reduce waste and result in positive effects on the environment. We also believe that if artists create more artwork emphasising environmental themes, viewers may gain a better understanding of the issues and may adopt more environmentally conscious behaviour, which can benefit the world," said Prodepran.
