Our latest blog has been written by Alex from a project in Thailand. Alex has her own travel sites which are listed at the end of the post on this page. She has been traveling for some time now, and has been using Workaway recently to help. Happy 30th Birthday to Alex!
Recycling in Thailand
One of my big goals for my 30th birthday was to make even the smallest bit of positive change in the world.
Fortunately, I was able to accomplish my goal at a Workaway work exchange opportunity I participated in Thailand this year. It was just one of the three volunteer jobs I found on Workaway and it was definitely one of the best!
30th Birthday Recycle Event at a project on the beautiful Thai island of Koh Phangan with a Workaway Volunteer Exchange
I spent three weeks working at a self-sustainable project in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Although, Koh Phangan is famous for its full moon parties, there is also a strong and flourishing “green” movement with the island expats and locals.
The program where I volunteered was no exception:
The organizer at the project has big goals to create a general unity on the island with regards to sustainability, permaculture, community programs, awareness and education.
One of the hard pressing topics in my mind traveling through Thailand was the horrible litter problem on the beautiful Thai beaches. It was very upsetting for me to see a build-up of trash at the footstep of the dive shops in nearby Koh Tao and this prompted me to want to start a movement in Koh Phangan.
With the opportunity, I created a recycle program for the organization that brought together the community of expats, locals, and the project itself.
30th Birthday Cake
On the day of my 30th birthday, June 10, 2012, the volunteers and I hosted a Recycle Fair and Community Swap at the Project headquarters. We drew in about 40-50 attendees that stayed throughout the event and participated in workshops, educational discussion, a raffle and silent auction that helped raise funds for the Project’s community programs.
Everyone banded together to help make the event a success. Thanks to the generous sponsors who donated the giveaways and the attendees who were very supportive about the cause, we raised over 10,000 baht (US$300)! This was more than double what we could have hoped for.
Preparing for the event
That’s one of the great things about the volunteer work exchanges I’ve found with Workaway; I’ve had the chance to participate in experiences I would never have imagined.
As a proud Workawayer, this meant making even a small change in the world on my own special day. Thanks Zaki, June, Najib, Nolan, Tiffany, Nico, Angela, and Harry!
Author Bio
Originally from Los Angeles, Alex has been traveling around the world since 2008. 36 countries and 6 continents later, she’s travelled as a tourist, a backpacker, and a vagabond. Learn how to travel stylishly and practically on her website Travel Fashion Girl and find out more about her travels on Wanderlust and the Girl. Twitter: @TravlFashnGirl
Alex gets a refreshing fruit juice to quench her thirst
Pingback: Eco-Fail – Clean Up Koh Tao « WanderlustandtheGirl
Pingback: Ocean Eco-Fail: Clean Up Koh Tao « WanderlustandtheGirl
Pingback: Travel Fashion Girl Second Month Stats and Summary | Travel Fashion Girl
Hi there,
Wow, reading this story has gotten me pretty excited about being a workawayer, but I find it hard to decide on which host’s to choose from. I’d like to give back to a community, and work with tourist’s. I’d really like to lead tour’s. Can anyone help guide me to the right host?