Two local companies have teamed up to make Buddhist amulets by using nine types of recyclable materials, including plastic bottles and nylon fishing nets, in the hope of inspiring more Thais to recycle plastic waste.
According to a report by the U.S.-based group Ocean Conservancy, Thailand is estimated to be the fifth-biggest contributor of plastic to the world’s oceans.
Krit Phutpim, a director at Dots Design Studio – one of the companies behind the project launched at Bangkok’s design week exhibition – said, “The idea of the plastic amulet is a result of finding a connection between the environment and Thai culture.”
Teerachai Suppameteekulwat, the founder of the other company behind the project, Qualy Design, said the Buddha amulet launched this week has the Thai word for “awareness” on the back to remind people to be conscious that their daily consumption should not harm the environment.
The amulets, which have been blessed by monks, are distributed in exchange for at least 1 kg of plastic or a minimum of 100 baht for each amulet, with the money going to various charities.
The project has generated some controversy on social media, with questions about whether an amulet should be made from recycled materials.
Typically, amulets are made from materials such as bone, wood or metal. They may contain, for example, the ash from incense burnt at a temple or hair from a monk that are thought to further increase the wearer’s powers. (NNT)
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