It’s time for “Upcycling the Oceans”

On January 27 and 28 2018, the PHA and TAT, in association with resources giant PTT and environmental design studio Ecoalf, will launch a new campaign aimed at collecting ocean waste and transforming it into stylish clothing and accessories.

Taking place at Patong Beach, the associations will work together with the local community to collect waste and litter from the sea and sand. In partnership with local fisherman, divers and recycling centres, this waste will be separated and reusable materials will be gathered for upcycling.

Ecoalf, a ground-breaking fashion and lifestyle brand that only uses recycled materials, will then transform the waste – including plastics – into wearable fashion items, which will be sold at boutique stores located in PHA member hotels across Phuket. This marks the latest innovative collaboration between Phuket Hotels Association and TAT and serves as a further example of how these organisations are leading the fight to preserve Phuket’s stunning coastlines, for the benefit of islanders and visitors in the future.

“The Phuket Hotels Association is honoured to be partnering with the TAT, PTT and Ecoalf on such a forward- thinking environmental initiative,” said Anthony Lark, President of the PHA.

“Upcycling is more than just a trend; it is a practical, inventive way of easing pressure on resources, empowering local communities and maintaining our precious ecosystems for future generations.

“Phuket’s beauty and appeal is based upon the purity of its coastal landscapes. While we cannot always control what washes up on our shores, we can take steps to tackle the waste and even turn it into something beautiful. We look forward to working with our partners on the Upcycling the Oceans initiative and creating treasure out of trash,” Mr Lark added.

Upcycling the Oceans is a three-year TAT-led initiative that aims to restore Thailand’s pristine oceanic and coastal ecosystems, initially in five pilot destinations: Phuket, Koh Samet in Rayong province, and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in Surat Thani province.

A recent event in Koh Samet collected 618.9kg of waste from the land, beaches, ocean and seabed. This is the latest in a series of environmental projects undertaken by the Phuket Hotels Association.

The hotel association’s Environmental & Sustainability Working Group is also implementing island-wide beach cleaning initiatives in support of the International Coastal Clean Up Campaign, which will see millions of volunteers across the globe unite to fight ocean pollution. To learn more please visit HERE.