Minimizing Plastic Use in Bangkok
April 06, 2019
Looking for ways to cut down on your plastic waste, especially in a place like Bangkok where even fruits packed by nature are removed and re-packed in plastic? Here are some eco-friendly alternatives.By Ema Naito-BhakdiThailand is notorious for ingenious and excessive use of plastic bags. I still remember being amazed the first time I bought a coke from a local vendor and was handed it with ice and a straw in a plastic bag. And common are complaints especially among expat parents how everything in Thailand seems to come in or with plastic bags, straws, and cutlery.Thanks to viral photos in 2018 about the plastic destroying our earth, we are seeing efforts to use less, even in Thailand. So here is a run-down on items that are available in Bangkok to help us cut back on plastic waste. [ List of places to shop at the bottom of the article ]RELATED: Don't miss Angela Cosgrove's article on 'Conscious Living: Our Journey to Zero-Waste Living' -- and take note of her point that we shouldn't rush out to buy the latest 'eco-friendly' 'sustainable' goodies, but first make use of what we have in our homes already.[caption id="attachment_9884" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit www.quotecatalog.com[/caption]Reusable straws
Check the reviews on which ones are easiest to clean and how they feel in your mouth. At pretty much all the shops listed on this page, plus eco-conscious restaurants like Broccoli Revolution, La Monita, Patom, etc.[caption id="attachment_9888" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit: RePlanetMe[/caption]Bamboo cutlery
Carry these around and avoid plastic cutlery. At Refill Station, RePlanetMe, ReReef, others.
Stainless steel water bottles
Bring your own water so you don’t have to buy bottled. At Lazada, AliExpress, department stores...everywhere![caption id="attachment_9887" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit - Zero Waste Thailand[/caption]Cloth produce bags
Put your produce in these reusable cloth bags to be weighed. It’s best if you can find ones made from natural fibers, rather than nylon. At Refill Station, ReReef, Zero Waste Thailand, Aliexpress others.[caption id="attachment_9881" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image from AliExpress[/caption]Silicone storage bags
One type requires you to slide a separate plastic piece on to tightly seal; another has the ‘zip’ built-in...but you may want to check the reviews on the tendency to leak. At Lazada, AliExpress, Refill Station, others.[caption id="attachment_9880" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Image from AliExpress[/caption]Reusable silicone lids
Instead of cling wrap, seal bowls and plates of food with these reusable lids. Works well for glass and ceramic cups and bowls, and can withstand heat. At Lazada, Refill Station, others.[caption id="attachment_9885" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit - SuperBee Wax Wraps[/caption]Beeswax wraps
Use these washable wraps instead of cling wrap to cover foods and plates. Not good for heat. Thai-made brands: Superbee (superbee.me, FB: @superbeewaxwraps) and Wrappini (www.wrappini.com, FB: @wrappini).[caption id="attachment_9891" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Photo by Ema Naito[/caption]Bulk items: Liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, detergents, also grains, nuts
Buying these in regular packaging create a lot of plastic waste. Instead, bring your own container and buy the contents in bulk. We’d love to see more of these around town, but it’s great that there are a few out there. At Novessence (soap, all-natural cleaning products), Tost & Found, Refill Station, ZeroMoment Refillery (also baking ingredients like flour).[caption id="attachment_9879" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit - Khadija Dawn Carryl via Flickr[/caption]Shampoo bars
You can get shampoo but eliminate the plastic bottle by using shampoo bars. Don’t forget to rinse afterwards with diluted apple or white vinegar to get rid of remaining scum and add shine. At Bangkok Soap Opera, LUSH, Novessence, Refill Station, Zero Waste Thailand.[caption id="attachment_9889" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit - RePlanetMe[/caption]Bamboo toothbrush
Another toiletry item with an alternative to plastic: toothbrushes made from bamboo!At Refill Station, RePlanetMe, ReReef, ZeroMoment Refillery, Zero Waste Thailand, Lazada.[caption id="attachment_9886" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Credit - Zero Waste Thailand[/caption]