Are bread krathongs harming Bangkok’s public park ponds?

[webfact]

 

Environmental advisor to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Pornporm Wikitsate, exposed the negative impacts of biodegradable Krathongs on public park ponds after the recent Loy Krathong Festival.

 

The public, in a bid to reduce waste and protect the environment, had opted to float Krathongs made from bread. However, the aftermath was not as environmentally friendly as anticipated.

 

Pornporm questioned whether bread krathongs are really good for the environment.

 

This is a question that many ask him every Loy Krathong. They float these Krathongs with good intentions, hoping to reduce environmental impact as the bread can be consumed by fish, leaving no waste, reported Sanook.

 

by Samantha Rose

Photo courtesy of Sanook

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-12-04

 

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[Gottfrid]

Yes, it is bad as if creates carbon dioxide which increase the PH-levels in the water, that as a result can disturb the ecological balance as well as health of fish.

[proton]

Back to styro foam then?

[ikke1959]

There is no ministry of environment in Thailand?? There are no cleaners in the city only street sweepers?? I think it is the duty of everyone to clean their mess, Loy Kratong, Songkran, fetivals, concerts, the beach just name it...Keep Thailand clean is a duty for everyone

[nausea]

So bread and Styrofoam are both bad, oh well, back to the drawing board; I guess we could try doing something with  slices of a banana tree trunk, and banana leaves.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The public, in a bid to reduce waste and protect the environment, had opted to float Krathongs made from bread. However, the aftermath was not as environmentally friendly as anticipated.

Looking at the small pond and number of Krathongs I don't think forward thinking came into play

[PETERTHEEATER]

Bread is OK in flowing water such as streams and rivers where it will wash downstream consumed by fish en route to the sea. In closed water, ponds, lakes and canals a lot of uneaten bread sinks to the bottom and decomposes reducing oxygen levels and causing fish deaths. Banana plantain slices too, in excess, will decompose. That's before you take into account candles and incess sticks!