A Solution for Thermosetting Plastic Waste?

By RISC | 4 days ago

The environmental challenge of plastic waste involves not only conventional recycling but complex plastics that are far harder to manage.Water bottles, food containers, plastic packaging, and plastic bags are typically made of thermoplastics. These items can therefore be melted and reshaped when heated. But another category of plastic is an increasing environmental concern—thermosetting plastics.Thermosets are known for their strength and chemical resistance. Once cured by heat, they cannot be melted or reshaped. Instead, they harden permanently and will burn rather than soften. These properties make them ideal for heavy-duty applications such as car tires, polyurethane foams used in sofas and car seats, shoe soles, adhesives, epoxy coatings, or melamine dishware. Their durability, however, also makes thermosets extremely difficult to recycle. Most thermoset waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to long-term environmental damage.So how can we deal with thermosetting plastics?Vitrimerization turns thermosetting plastics into plastics with dynamic structures. These structures allow them to break and reform bonds through a chemical reaction known as transesterification under specific conditions. Plastics that undergo vitrimerization gain a combination of thermoplastic and thermoset properties. They can be melted and reshaped, while still retaining mechanical strength and resistance to heat, sunlight, and chemicals. These materials also possess self-healing capabilities because their bonds can break and reform under appropriate heating, allowing them to be reshaped, repaired, or reused multiple times (typically 3–5 times) without loss of performance. This makes vitrimerization a promising method to address the issue of thermoset plastic waste.Recycling athletic shoe soles or running shoes made from crosslinked ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam is a notable example. This type of foam is highly flexible, impact-resistant, durable, and non-compressible. Research shows that EVA thermosets can be converted into EVA vitrimer by grinding EVA scraps into micron-sized particles (<200 µm) and mixing them with catalysts such as zinc acetate (Zn acetate) and materials with hydroxyl groups (-OH), like polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). When this mixture is hot-pressed, a transesterification reaction occurs, transforming some of the crosslinks into dynamic bonds. Upon further molding, the plastic can be reshaped without adding more chemicals and retains its original properties. Unlike mechanical recycling, which typically degrades material quality, vitrimerized EVA maintains its mechanical integrity. The dynamic bonds can break and reform under heat, making it possible to recycle previously unrecyclable thermoset plastics into high-quality, high-value products.But vitrimerization still faces challenges. One significant hurdle is reducing thermoset plastic waste into micron-sized particles, especially with rubber materials that are tough and elastic. At room temperature, this grinding is difficult. Therefore, the rubber must be turned into a glass-like state—hard and brittle—making it easier to break down. This process requires extremely low temperatures, increasing production costs.Advancing this technology could pave the way for recycling more complex waste streams, such as electronic circuit boards, wind turbine blades, automotive and aerospace components, or insulation materials in solar panels. This would significantly reduce industrial and hazardous waste and promote sustainable end-of-life management for these products.Content by: Suphunphang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material ResearcherReferences:Amin Jamei Oskouei et al. (2024). Vitrimerization of crosslinked poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate): the effect of catalysts. RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, 2, 905.Alireza Bandegi et al. (2023). Vitrimerization of crosslinked elastomers: a mechanochemical approach for recycling thermoset polymers. Mater. Adv., 2023, 4, 2648–2658.

Ready for the Rainy Season?

By RISC | 2 weeks ago

Since the official start of the rainy season, on 15 May, many provinces have experienced continuous rainfall. But have you ever wondered how the Meteorological Department decides this date? 3 criteria must be met: More than 60% of the upper part of Thailand must experience rainfall continuously for at least 3 days. The wind at about 1.5 km above the ground must shift to a southwesterly direction, bringing in moisture from the Andaman Sea to cover Thailand persistently. The wind at about 10 km above the ground must shift to an easterly direction. Rainfall, flooding, and droughts depend largely on the El Niño–La Niña phenomenon. The world is currently in a neutral phase of this cycle and Thailand's overall rainfall this year is expected to be slightly above average, spread widely across regions. But the rainy season raises the risk of illness and accidents and will likely last through October. The heaviest rainfall typically comes in August and September. To stay safe and healthy throughout this season, be prepared and be careful. Take an umbrella when you go out. Wear non-slip footwear. Avoid crowds to escape seasonal illnesses. And make sure your vehicle’s safe to drive in wet conditions. Let’s stay strong and safe through the rainy season. Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISC

Interlacing Intertwining Coalescing through Contemporary Art for Biodiversity

By RISC | 2 weeks ago

RISC is thrilled to exhibit its textile creations in “Interlacing Intertwining Coalescing through Contemporary Art for Biodiversity” at the Isan Creative Festival 2025.This exhibition showcases artworks made with fibers upcycled from plastic waste. The project aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire conservation. Each piece features endangered or protected Thai animals with traditional regional patterns. This creative fusion blends heritage and local identity with contemporary artistic expression. ISAN CREATIVE FESTIVAL 202528 June – 6 July 2025, TCDC Khon Kaen, 2nd FloorFind out more: https://www.isancreativefestival.com/isancf2025Line: @isancfFacebook: isancreativefestivalInstagram: @isancreativefestival

Durian’s Surprising Potential in Construction and Plastics

By RISC | 2 weeks ago

Each 1 kg of durian contains about 0.6 kg of husk… but this needn’t go to waste!Durian takes center stage as the “King of Fruits’ as we approach mid-year and it also makes a crucial contribution to the Thai economy. Exports totaled an amazing 164.8 billion baht in 2023, according to the Department of Internal Trade. Domestic consumption averages 400,000 tons a year. But this appeal creates a problem—the discarded husks. Each year these total 240,200 tons. Unless properly managed, this waste can cause long-term sanitation and environmental issues.Durian husks tend to go to landfill and incineration. But both methods have environmental impacts. Landfilling releases methane as the husks rot. Incineration releases harmful pollutants. Finding ways to use the husk could offer many benefits.Innovative Ways to Use Durian Husk:Durian husk can be fermented with yeast to feed animals. The fermented husk has increased protein and a fragrant scent like pickled fruit. With a firm texture and no harmful substances from fermentation, the feed is safe for ruminants and supports their growth and health.The fibers in durian husk can also be turned into thermal insulation. Hemicellulose and lignin are extracted then mixed with adhesives like natural latex to form sheets. The resulting insulation has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. But while effective for heat insulation, the material has limitations from its water absorption and flammability. The husk can also be used in PLA/PBS/durian fiber foam for use in bedding for laboratory animals. Durian fibers enhance the foam's ability to absorb ammonia solutions or animal secretions and increase its strength.Durian husk can be processed into a biodegradable bioplastic called carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The husk has a primary cellulose content of 54%, more than bagasse (41%), rice straw (38%), and coconut coir (36%). Extracting cellulose from durian husk to produce CMC is therefore highly feasible.Making CMC from durian fibers has 3 steps:- Preparing cellulose from durian husk fibers: This step involves removing hemicellulose and lignin using concentrated alkaline solutions such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and bleaching to remove color.- Alkalization: This involves soaking the cellulose in a concentrated alkaline solution with a water-insoluble organic solvent, such as NaOH/isopropyl alcohol, to allow the alkaline solution to penetrate the fibers.- Etherification: This involves adding monochloroacetic acid (MCA) to react with the cellulose, yielding sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) and sodium chloride (NaCl) as a byproduct.CMC from durian husk fibers is like commercial CMC and can decompose within 60 hours without harming the environment. It’s suitable for biodegradable packaging and can coat fruit to slow spoilage.Turning durian husk into useful materials not only reduces waste but also adds value to agricultural waste. The process creates high-quality, high-value products, especially as a precursor for CMC production. The diverse applications include as a thickener and stabilizer in the food, cosmetic, and agricultural industries. The material can also be used in biofilms and biodegradable packaging, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. While benefiting the environment the process opens new economic opportunities for farmers and industries, aligning with sustainable development goals.Content by: Suphunphang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material ResearcherReferences:Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce. Durian Production Statistics: https://regional.moc.go.th/th/file/get/file/202407013a6133c1bd218dfc40828623c88c6fea161400.pdfSaarena Sue-mae. 2021. Development and Value Addition of Durian Rind Waste as a High-Quality Animal Feed Source for Southern Border Provinces. National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).Panjai Sueprasertsit et al. 2020. Technical Feasibility for the Production of Thermal Insulation Boards from Durian Rind. Vol 39. No 6, November-December 2020.Kornkamon Jittareethat. 2023. Development and Evaluation of PLA/PBS/Durian Fiber Foam for Application as Bedding Material for Laboratory Animals. Master of Science Thesis (Material Innovation and Technology), Thammasat University.Ruengdechawiwat, S., Sanawong, P., & Boonmee, S. (2024). Application of carboxymethyl cellulose from durian rind for maintaining the quality of mango fruits (MANGIFERA INDICA LINN.) CV. NAMDOKMAI SRI TONG. Life Sciences and Environment Journal, 25(1), 166–17

Are You Allergic to Your Home?

By RISC | 3 weeks ago

Your home should be a refuge in the rainy season… but it could also be a source of allergies!We now spend 90% of our lives indoors and our homes should be our safest place both physically and mentally. During the rainy season, however, your home could also be home to dust mites, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These allergens all thrive in enclosed spaces with high humidity and lack of ventilation.Allergies are a common chronic condition for many Thai households, hitting children and the elderly hardest as they tend to spend more time at home. But many people mightn’t realize their allergies start in their own home.Allergic symptoms, particularly among young children, the elderly, and pet owners, tend to increase during the rainy season. When the relative humidity remains above 60% for several days, it can accelerate mold growth significantly.What are the triggers for allergies inside your home?Studies have found…▪️ Dust mites: Over 80% of city homes contain dust mites at levels exceeding recommended standards, particularly in mattresses, carpets, and sofas.▪️ Mold: Mold in homes is often caused by accumulated moisture, such as under sinks, in bathrooms, or on leaky walls. It has been significantly linked to increased risks of asthma and allergies in children.▪️ Pet dander and animal proteins: Pet allergens are not just from fur. Proteins in saliva, skin flakes, and urine can remain airborne for hours and cling to furniture or clothing, triggering allergies even if pets aren’t allowed on beds or sofas.▪️ Indoor air pollution: Indoor air can be 2–5 times more polluted than outdoor air, especially in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces.▪️ Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from building materials and furniture: Some construction materials, house paints, plywood furniture, and carpets emit VOCs such as formaldehyde. These compounds can irritate the respiratory system and skin and may cause long-term health effects. Poor ventilation during the rainy season can lead to a buildup of these substances indoors.How can we protect ourselves? ▪️ Controlling dust mites: Dust mites are common indoor allergens, especially on bedding and upholstered furniture. Managing them properly can significantly reduce allergy symptoms.      ▪️ Cleaning bedding: Wash bed sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water (at least 50–60°C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. Use dust mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, made from tightly woven fabric that prevents mites and their waste from passing through.      ▪️ Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum mattresses, pillows, carpets, and fabric sofas at least twice a week. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which traps small particles like dust mite waste more effectively than standard models. Consider a specialized dust mite vacuum with vibration and UV light features for better results. ▪️ Improving ventilation to reduce indoor humidity: Airflow slows in the rainy season and closed windows trap indoor pollutants like VOCs from paints and furniture, dust, pet dander, and mold. Homes designed for good air circulation, combined with high-efficiency air filters (HEPA), can lower pollutant concentrations and reduce allergy symptoms by:      ▪️ Enhancing passive ventilation, such as designing windows for cross-ventilation or opening windows when outdoor air quality is good—especially in bathrooms and kitchens.      ▪️ Installing mechanical systems in key areas like bedrooms or pet zones to enhance air exchange. This includes exhaust fans, fresh air systems, or Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems. Use air purifiers with HEPA and Activated Carbon Filters and clean these systems regularly—such as servicing air conditioners every 6 months and changing ERV and purifier filters.      ▪️ Using air quality sensors to monitor key living areas. These may include sensors for temperature, humidity, CO₂, PM2.5, and VOC levels. ▪️ Controlling indoor humidity: Rainy weather raises relative humidity indoors, promoting the growth of mold and dust mites. Humidity above 60% increases the risk, so controlling moisture is crucial:      ▪️ Designing for moisture reduction, including proper ventilation in humid rooms like bathrooms and kitchens with exhaust fans or air vents. Choose non-absorbent, moisture-resistant materials.      ▪️ Adjusting household habits, such as inspecting for mold under sinks, in bathroom walls, and beneath floors. Run exhaust fans after showering and switch your air conditioner to Dry Mode during high humidity periods.      ▪️ Using a dehumidifier, choosing a capacity suitable for the room (e.g., 20–50 liters/day for 20–40 sqm spaces), and setting the humidity level to 45–55%. ▪️ Choosing allergy-friendly materials and designs: Interior materials that trap moisture and dust can harbor dust mites, mold spores, and VOCs, irritating the respiratory system and triggering allergies. You can address this by:      ▪️ Designing for easy cleaning, avoiding hard-to-clean corners, using smooth surfaces, and skipping heavy carpets in bedrooms. Opt for washable curtains or replace them with blinds.      ▪️ Selecting certified materials, such as those with Thai Green Label, GreenGuard, or FloorScore certifications. Choose low-VOC materials or wood rated E1 or E0.      ▪️ Avoiding high-maintenance materials and instead choosing furniture and finishes that are easy to clean. Replace carpets and thick curtains with blinds or roller shades. Choose flooring that doesn’t trap dust and go for minimal design to reduce dust-collecting crevices.Now allergies are a chronic condition in urban life, your home should actively protect your health. Homes with proper ventilation, humidity control, and safe materials can prevent allergies and protect all your family’s quality of life.Learn more https://risc.in.th/knowledge​Story by Phetcharin Phongphetkul, Sustainable Designer, LEED®AP BD+C, WELLTM AP, Fitwel Ambassador, ActiveScore AP, TREES-A NC, RISC​Reference byWorld Health Organization. (2010). WHO guidelines for indoor air quality: selected pollutants. WHO Regional Office for Europe.​Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Indoor Air Quality. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq​Mendell, M. J., Mirer, A. G., Cheung, K., Tong, M., & Douwes, J. (2011). Respiratory and allergic health effects of dampness, mold, and dampness-related agents: a review of the epidemiologic evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, 119(6), 748–756. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1002410​Salthammer, T., Mentese, S., & Marutzky, R. (2010). Formaldehyde in the indoor environment. Chemical Reviews, 110(4), 2536–2572.​Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2020). Allergies and Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org​กรมวิทยาศาสตร์การแพทย์. (2564). รายงานสถานการณ์ฝุ่นและไรฝุ่นในประเทศไทย. กระทรวงสาธารณสุข.​Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Healthy Buildings: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/healthybuildings/​WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould: https://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/433074/WHO-EHC-313-eng.pdf​CDC Healthy Homes Manual: https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/publications/books/housing/housing.htm​Jaakkola, J. J., et al. (2013). "Interior surface materials and asthma in school children: a case–control study." Indoor Air 23(3): 179-185.​WELL v2 Materials Concept: https://v2.wellcertified.com/en/materials​LEED v4 Low-Emitting Materials Credit: https://www.usgbc.org/node/2613953​UL GreenGuard Gold Product Guide: https://spot.ul.com

WELL in Action: Future-Proof Your Building for Health and Resilience​

By RISC | 1 month ago

WELL in Action: ​Future-Proof Your Building for Health and Resilience​ Date: 27–29 August 2025​At DTGO CampUs​ราคาคอร์สละ 12,900 บาท ​รับเพียง 50 ที่เท่านั้น!!​​ชำระเงินได้ที่ บริษัท วี บีฟอร์ มี คอร์ปอเรชั่น จำกัด​​ธนาคารกรุงเทพ เลขที่บัญชี 133-5-47655-0 ​​​ติดต่อสอบถามรายละเอียดเพิ่มเติมได้ที่RISC mail: risc_admin@dtgo.com, ​RISC Line ID: risc_center, ​RISC direct call: 063-902-9346​-------------------------------------------------------- วันที่ 1:​Morning Session​ - บทนำสู่มาตรฐาน WELL​: อธิบายภาพรวมของ WELL Building Standard ครอบคลุมที่มา วัตถุประสงค์ โครงสร้างของมาตรฐาน และแนวคิดหลักด้านสุขภาวะในอาคาร​- แนวคิด Resilience ในบริบทของ WELL​: นำเสนอแนวทางการใช้มาตรฐาน WELL เป็นเครื่องมือสนับสนุนการออกแบบอาคารให้สามารถรับมือกับสถานการณ์ความเสี่ยงรอบด้าน ทั้งด้านสิ่งแวดล้อมและสุขภาวะ​- การเรียนรู้ผ่านเหตุการณ์สถานการณ์จริง แนวทางการประยุกต์ใช้ WELL สำหรับเหตุการณ์แผ่นดินไหวและน้ำท่วม ระบุข้อกำหนดภายใน WELL ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการเตรียมความพร้อมและการป้องกันความเสียหายจากภัยธรรมชาติ​ Afternoon Session​ - แนวทางการประยุกต์ใช้ WELL สำหรับมลพิษทางอากาศ​: อธิบายข้อกำหนดของ WELL ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับคุณภาพอากาศภายในอาคาร และลดผลกระทบจากมลพิษ​- แนวทางการประยุกต์ใช้ WELL สำหรับมลพิษทางน้ำและภาวะขาดแคลนน้ำ​: นำเสนอเกณฑ์การจัดการน้ำที่ปลอดภัย และระบบสำรองน้ำในภาวะวิกฤต​- แนวทางการประยุกต์ใช้ WELL สำหรับการรับมือคลื่นความร้อน (Heat Wave)​: ชี้ให้เห็นข้อกำหนดของ WELL ที่ช่วยสร้างความสบาย (Thermal Comfort) ในสภาวะอุณหภูมิสูง​ วันที่ 2: ​Morning Session​ - แนวทางการประยุกต์ใช้ WELL Health-Safety Rating ที่เกี่ยวข้องกับการควบคุมความเสี่ยงการแพร่ระบาดภายในอาคาร​- การส่งเสริมสุขภาวะจิตในช่วงวิกฤตผ่านมาตรฐาน WELL​: นำเสนอข้อกำหนดที่สนับสนุนการออกแบบสภาพแวดล้อมที่ช่วยลดความเครียดและส่งเสริมสุขภาวะจิตใจของผู้ใช้อาคาร​- แนวทางการจัดการสารเคมีและวัสดุอันตรายภายใต้มาตรฐาน WELL​: อธิบายข้อกำหนดเกี่ยวกับการเลือกใช้วัสดุและการจัดการความเสี่ยงจากสารเคมีในอาคารอย่างปลอดภัย​ Afternoon Session​ - Workshop การประยุกต์ใช้ WELL สู่บริบทจริง ผู้เรียนร่วมฝึกวางแนวทางการนำมาตรฐาน WELL ไปปรับใช้กับสถานการณ์เฉพาะผ่านการวิเคราะห์เชิงปฏิบัติ​- ศึกษาดูงานโครงการ DTGO CampUs​: เยี่ยมชมอาคารสำนักงานที่นำมาตรฐาน WELL V2 ไปใช้จริง พร้อมรับฟังแนวคิดและกระบวนการออกแบบจากทีมผู้ออกแบบ​ วันที่ 3: ​Morning Session​ - การแนะนำ WELL Community Standard และ Health-Safety Rating​- อธิบายแนวคิดของ WELL ในระดับชุมชนและระบบจัดอันดับด้านความปลอดภัยภายในอาคาร พร้อมเปรียบเทียบกับ WELL V2 เพื่อสร้างความเข้าใจที่ชัดเจน​ Afternoon Session​ - ศึกษาดูงานโครงการ The Forestias และ The Aspen Tree​- เยี่ยมชมโครงการที่ประยุกต์ใช้แนวทาง WELL Community และแนวคิด Aging in Place พร้อมรับฟังมุมมองจากผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่มีประสบการณ์ทำงานกับโครงการจริง​

Why Isn’t This Year as Hot as Last Year?

By RISC | 1 month ago

Last summer felt a lot hotter—and there’s a reason. It was officially the hottest year on Earth in the past 175 years. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), global surface temperatures in 2023 were 1.55°C (±0.13°C) above the pre-industrial average (1850–1900), primarily due to global warming and an intense El Niño.This record-breaking heat was driven by the highest greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere seen in the past 800,000 years, coupled with warming from the Pacific Ocean during El Niño. The phenomenon began intensifying in 2023 and peaked in early 2024, pushing global temperatures to historic highs—including in Thailand.In fact, Thailand’s average temperature in 2024 hit 28.5°C, making it the hottest year in 74 years, dating back to records from 1951 to 2024.El Niño began to weaken by June 2024, however, and officially ended toward the year’s end. It was quickly followed by a short-lived La Niña, which began in January 2025. This led to a slight drop in Pacific Ocean temperatures and a temporary global cooling effect. But because this La Niña phase ended as early as March, its impact on global temperatures was brief—resulting in a summer this year that, while still warm, hasn’t been extremely hot.Still, while 2025 temperatures may be lower than in 2024, we shouldn’t be complacent. Much of the heat stored in the world’s oceans last year remains—and continues to contribute to long-term above-average global temperatures. This is why reducing greenhouse gas emissions remains an urgent and essential task we must all commit to—now more than ever.Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISCReference byhttps://www.tmd.go.th/climate/summaryyearly​https://www.tmd.go.th/climate/El-Nino-La-Nina?show=25​https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com​https://wmo.int/media/news/january-2025-sees-record-global-temperatures-despite-la-nina?utm_source=chatgpt.com​https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-report-documents-spiralling-weather-and-climate-impacts?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExSTl4Vm85Zldwa0NZR1pnVgEeRsIDw0bfpWMgDWSE4OtG631k4VifzWwXia-mk80oEYs4t2Z6HGYAEHXXKyU_aem_6j0-pm_0CQ7VfuQ2MPMdvA#:~:text=The%20clear%20signs%20of%20human,social%20upheavals%20from%20extreme%20weather.&text=WMO's%20State%20of%20the%20Global,doubled%20since%20satellite%20measurements%20began​

What Do Animals Do in the Rainy Season?

By RISC | 1 month ago

ในวันที่ฟ้าครึ้ม และฝนโปรยลงมา ผู้คนมากมายมักมองหาที่หลบฝน เช่นเดียวกับสัตว์หลากหลายชนิดที่เลือกซ่อนตัวอยู่ใต้ใบไม้หรือพุ่มไม้ แต่สำหรับสัตว์บางกลุ่ม ช่วงเวลานี้กลับเป็นโอกาสในการออกมาเคลื่อนไหว และใช้ชีวิต​ฝนไม่ได้เพียงช่วยให้ต้นไม้เจริญเติบโตงอกงาม แต่ยังส่งผลต่อพฤติกรรมของสัตว์น้อยใหญ่ในธรรมชาติอีกด้วย โดยเฉพาะสัตว์ในกลุ่มที่ชอบความชื้น อย่างเช่น กบ เขียด ไส้เดือน หอยทาก และแมลงหลายชนิด ที่ออกมาเคลื่อนไหว ตลอดจนหาอาหารเมื่อพื้นดินเริ่มมีความชื้น เพราะความชื้นในดินช่วยให้พวกมันเคลื่อนไหวได้สะดวก และลดความเสี่ยงจากการสูญเสียน้ำผ่านผิวหนัง ขณะเดียวกันสัตว์ผู้ล่าอย่างงูขนาดเล็กก็อาศัยจังหวะนี้ออกมาหาเหยื่อ นอกจากนี้ ฤดูฝนยังเป็นช่วงเริ่มต้นฤดูผสมพันธุ์ของสัตว์หลายชนิด โดยเฉพาะสัตว์สะเทินน้ำสะเทินบก และแมลง ความชื้นและแหล่งน้ำตื้นที่เกิดขึ้นชั่วคราวช่วยให้เอื้อต่อการวางไข่ และการเติบโตของตัวอ่อนอีกด้วย​สำหรับใครที่ต้องการสร้างสวนในบ้านที่เป็นมิตรกับธรรมชาติ ก็สามารถเริ่มจากการจัดการพื้นที่เล็กๆ ให้มีแหล่งน้ำตื้น ที่เหมาะสำหรับสัตว์หลายชนิดให้เข้ามาใช้ประโยชน์ รวมถึงการปลูกพรรณไม้หลากหลายชนิด ทั้งไม้พุ่มเตี้ย ไม้ผล ไม้ดอก เพื่อสร้างแหล่งอาศัย และแหล่งหลบภัยให้แก่สัตว์ต่างๆ ในธรรมชาติ ตลอดจนการเลือกใช้ปุ๋ยอินทรีย์แทนการใช้ปุ๋ยที่มาสารเคมี จะช่วยอนุรักษ์สิ่งมีชีวิตเล็กๆ ในดิน และส่งเสริมความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพในสวนได้อย่างยั่งยืน ​ส่วนการดูแลไม่ให้มีสัตว์ไม่พึงประสงค์เข้ามา สามารถป้องกันได้ด้วยการดูแล หมั่นตัดแต่งพุ่มไม้ และหญ้าให้ไม่รก รวมทั้งตรวจสอบ และจัดเก็บวัสดุที่อาจเป็นแหล่งหลบซ่อน เช่น กองไม้ หิน หรือกระถางเก่า เพื่อลดโอกาสการอยู่อาศัยของสัตว์ที่อาจเป็นอันตราย​เราจะเห็นได้ว่า ฝนไม่ได้เปลี่ยนแค่บรรยากาศรอบตัวเราเท่านั้น แต่ยังเปิดโอกาสให้เราได้เห็นชีวิตเล็กๆ ในธรรมชาติที่เคลื่อนไหวไปตามจังหวะของฤดูกาล อย่างที่เราอาจไม่เคยสังเกตมาก่อน ลองหยุดดูรอบตัวในวันที่ฝนตก บางทีอาจมีอะไรบางอย่างที่คุณไม่เคยเห็น รอให้คุณได้มองอยู่ก็ได้เนื้อหาโดย คุณ กชกร รัตนมา นักวิจัยความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพ RISC

Flowers Affect You More Than You Thought.

By RISC | 1 month ago

Flowers might seem minor details of nature, blooming only briefly before they fade. But flowers have a huge impact on us—and especially our minds. The colors of flowers aren’t just attractive. They can also influence our psychological state. Each color can stimulate our emotions, feelings, and even behaviors through the brain’s perceptual and neural mechanisms. Research in color psychology shows that colors direct affect our emotions. Our brains automatically process and respond to colors. Studies have found that warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow tend to evoke feelings of enthusiasm, brightness, and energy. These colors can draw attention and stimulate emotions like passion, confidence, and joy. That’s why red roses have long been used as a symbol of love. Cool colors like blue, green, purple, and white, on the other hand, are associated with calm, relaxation, and healing. These colors are frequently used in environments designed to reduce stress and boost feelings of safety and friendliness. Thoughtful green space—with carefully selected colorful plants and flowers—can serve as a powerful tool for restoring mental and physical well-being. Whether in gardens, playgrounds, or public spaces, flowers can promote positive behaviors, create emotional safety, and foster human connection. Flowers can transform the feel of a space and influence our actions—especially in today’s urban society, where life is fast-paced and full of pressure. A small natural area filled with a variety of colorful plants can help uplift the moods of passersby, even if just for a moment. Story by Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC References byLi, H., Zhang, X., Zhao, M., & Guo, S. (2023). Psychological and physiological responses to flower colors: Evidence from human experiments. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 80, 127871.

Waste to "VALUE": Transforming Waste into Worth

By RISC | 1 month ago

Thailand generated 19.8 million tons of industrial waste in 2023, 18.7 million non-hazardous and 1.1 million hazardous, according to the Department of Industrial Works.Most industrial waste comes from sugar production (38.8%), thermal power generation (14.3%), food and beverages (11.9%), steel (6.4%), ethanol (5.7%), along with other industries such as paper, automotive parts, chemicals, plastics, and textiles.Large volumes of waste are typically generated during industrial production—and the amount is increasing each year. Without proper management, such waste can have severe environmental impacts, including hazardous chemical contamination, microplastics in soil and water, and the spread of harmful pathogens.The Circular Economy focuses on reusing waste to reduce overall volume and sustainably transform it into valuable resources.This process starts with product design that minimizes resource use and reduces waste during production. It also includes considerations for end-of-life product management, such as using biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials. Importantly, by-products from manufacturing should not be treated as mere waste, but as valuable resources—offering opportunities to create added value, such as using them as raw materials for new products. This maximizes resource efficiency.One example is the production of carpet tiles from nylon fibers by Tarkett.Tarkett’s carpet tiles are designed to be disassembled: The carpet pile, made of nylon fibers, can be chemically recycled along with other production scraps and nylon waste (e.g., fishing nets, mesh, garments, and plastic parts) into new nylon fiber for producing new carpets. The backing layer, once separated, is shredded and reformed into new backing material for future carpet tiles. This thoughtful design and material selection significantly reduces waste, lowers environmental impact, adds value, and cuts disposal costs.Turning waste into new products through circular design not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also adds value—through materials engineered for recycling and efficient resource use at every step. The outcome is not only lower disposal costs, but also new business opportunities to develop sustainable products.If your organization or industry is looking to turn factory waste into value and build a sustainable circular economy, contact:RISC Line ID: risc_centerTel: 063-902-9346Email: risc_admin@dtgo.comStory by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISCReferences:National Statistical Office. Thailand Environmental Statistics 2024: https://www.nso.go.th/public/e-book/Indicators-Environment/Environment-Indicators-2567/Department of Industrial Works. Industrial Waste Summary 2023: https://api.diw.go.th/public/tableauPublic.jsp?name=A4&ms=1744165687192Tarkett. Climate and Circular Economy