NationThailand-Feb 29
Pirathorn Saneewong, or “Grandpa Garbage”, is the founder of the “Zero Baht Store”, a community initiative born from trash and hunger that has grown into a movement for positive change. His story begins over three decades ago when living under a bridge in Bangkok and with a young child to feed, Pirathorn hatched a plan to escape poverty. Little did he know that his ingenious idea would provide a remedy for the global problem of waste management – a challenge that has plagued Thailand and other countries for decades. His Zero Baht Store is leading a trend for communities to step in where governments have failed, providing a way out of poverty while simultaneously contributing to environmental sustainability. The Zero Baht Store operates as a cooperative, earning profit from the difference between the cost and selling price of its products. It generates a second layer of profits from selling garbage – a significant source of revenue compared with product sales. This is because the shop collects and sorts large quantities of garbage, selling it directly to recycling factories without intermediaries. The shop also trades with specialized factories, such as those processing only plastic or metal, resulting in competitive pricing and substantial profits. Starting with just three people, the Zero Baht Store has grown to over 100 members in the past 22 years. All are from the On Nut 14 Rai community, and the shop has generated profits every year. The Zero Baht Store concept has spread to other parts of Thailand, demonstrating its adaptability to local conditions. The Zero Baht Store concept has spread to other parts of Thailand, demonstrating its adaptability to local conditions. Read more at: https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/special-edition/sustainability/40036004
