A solution for falling leaves: the “Yangna Leaf Pot” helps reduce PM 2.5

Another brilliant and practical idea with added value — the “Yangna Leaf Pot for PM 2.5 Reduction,” a creative project by Saraphi Technical College in Chiang Mai. The initiative has drawn attention from various groups, resulting in multiple invitations for workshops across the country.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the “Hug Khaoyai Club” in 2025, teachers and students from Saraphi Technical College were invited to organize learning activities for youth networks in the Khao Yai–Pak Chong area. The event was co-hosted by the Khao Yai Tourism Association, the Pak Chong Restaurant Entrepreneurs Club, local schools, temples, and communities — all sharing concerns about environmental issues, especially PM 2.5 pollution caused by forest and leaf burning during the dry season.

For this special occasion, the college brought their leaf-pot press machine and set it up at the multipurpose pavilion of Moo See Temple in Moo See Subdistrict, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima — giving students a chance to see each step of the process up close.

Mr. Paniphon Panich, 30, an instructor from the Automotive Department, explained that the massive amount of dry leaves falling during the dry season is a major cause of PM 2.5 air pollution. With no better solution, many villagers resort to burning — the easiest option. Some efforts have promoted composting, but that also requires knowing the nutritional content of different types of leaves, which involves additional testing. This is why the idea of turning Yangna leaves into plant pots offers a more practical and value-added alternative.

While explaining, Mr. Paniphon led the group to see the prototype leaf-pot press machine — built from leftover materials used by automotive students. If calculated in terms of cost, each unit would not exceed 20,000 baht.

The process of making a single leaf pot isn’t complicated. The students are divided into well-organized teams: leaf shredding, starch boiling, mixing the paste with shredded leaves, and molding. Beyond learning the basic science behind the method, the kids also practice teamwork. Observing their bright eyes and eager expressions, it’s clear they’re genuinely excited to learn — and through that, a sense of environmental responsibility is slowly being nurtured.

Mr. Paniphon explained that the machine can work with all types of dry leaves. The method involves boiling tapioca starch, then kneading it together with shredded leaves. The leaf texture can be adjusted — for instance, keeping the pieces less fine if you want the leaf patterns to show. Once the mixture becomes dough-like, it’s weighed, molded, and left to dry. Within just two hours, the pot sets into shape.

“These pots can be used for decorative planting or directly in the ground. They’re perfect for growing air-purifying plants that don’t require much water. If kept dry, a pot can last up to a year. Some people worry about mold, so we tried adding used coffee grounds — which helps prevent mold and keeps ants and insects away.”

The idea for the Yangna Leaf Pot project began when students at Saraphi Technical College — located along a road lined with Yangna trees — were brainstorming ideas for their final project. One group came up with the concept of turning fallen leaves into plant pots. The college later developed and refined it into a full-fledged program focused on reducing dry-season leaf litter and PM 2.5 pollution.

“We’ve been running this project for about three years now,” said Mr. Paniphon. “Several schools have come to learn from us. Locals in the area already know about our machine. The subdistrict municipality and provincial authorities have also partnered with us to reduce open burning. One initiative encourages villagers to bring us their leaves, and we turn them into plant pots to give back — a way of creating added value.”

Currently, the college works in collaboration with local communities, the Nong Phueng Subdistrict Municipality in Saraphi, nearby schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), and the Siam Yangna Tree Association of Thailand, based in Chiang Mai. Schools outside the area that are interested in learning can also reach out to the college directly.

Although the production cost of leaf pots remains relatively high, PM 2.5 pollution has become a pressing national concern. Regardless of the method, real solutions must be urgently pursued — not for anyone in particular, but for the clean air we all deserve.

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