Support our fight against plastic waste in Thailand

How to make people listen?

Well, nobody listens to me. I don't even speak Thai fluently. But I have friends that people do listen to. So I invited them along, to photograph them in places that are important to show, so people will understand and learn. With your help I will invite more celebrities who will lend their fame and social media power for free, to highlight this important issue. We will go to other places in Thailand that tells the bigger story of plastic waste. We will share our journey on social media through a series of mini documentaries, so everyone can see.

We need to go 7 more places, with 7 more celebrities, and 400.000 THB to get it done. I will continue to work for free. Donations will cover transport, fuel, tickets, sometimes payment to people that can take us to the locations, filming and editing the documentaries, and finally to print the photographic artworks to be exhibited around Thailand.

I hope you will help make Thailand a better place to live. And the world healthier for both humans and animals, by supporting Death by Plastic. Thank you for your time, and kindness.

Outcome

10 photographs to be exhibited at a big event. One photograph from each trip/location will be printed (archival quality) and framed for an event exhibition and sold for the projects benefit. 

Money from sold photographs at the event exhibition will be used to buy paper bags to be given to CP Groups 7-11 to reduce the use of plastic bags.

10 anti-plastic waste video documentaries - one from each trip - will be shared on social media. Our celebrities will help to do this, and this way take their audience with them on our journey. We have already made 3 of the 10 documentaries.

Extra donated money will be used to take the exhibition do different cities in Thailand, to boost the campaign on social media, and to buy more paper bags for CP Groups 7-11.

Project background

To me, Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. After living here for a while, I could not help but notice the amount of plastic bags and straws automatically thrown at you, in grocery stores and other places. The plastic waste is clearly visible around Thailand. Plastic waste floating around the shorelines has meant that the country’s beautiful beaches have sadly become harder to enjoy. Thailand's plastic waste also poses a serious threat to global marine life and public health.

I believe there are 2 reasons why Thailand has such a big plastic waste problem. One reason is that Thailand has been experiencing rapid economic growth, thereby reducing poverty and improving quality of life. With that, comes the consumer use of plastic-intensive goods, plastic bags, straws, packaging and other things. Currently, Thailand’s waste management infrastructure is struggling to keep upwith the growing amount of plastic waste..

Another reason is that many Thai people simply don't yet understand the environmental impact plastic waste has, and this shows in how plastic is used in everyday lives. But on the other side of an apparent self destructive consumer behavior, you will find that Thai people care a lot about all living things. Perhaps even more so than in most western countries. And because I believe it is mostly a lack of awareness that causes Thailand's wasteful and destructive consumer culture, I also believe there is potential for making a real change by raising awareness.

After discovering how bad the situation really is, I wanted to do something. To raise awareness, I needed to catch people’s attention. The idea of photographing high profile individuals in relevant locations, with plastic bags taped over their heads fits perfectly not only visually but also symbolically. Our current relationship with plastic is self destructive.

Breakdown of the costs and expenses

Van rental and fuel for 7 remaining trips: 70.000 THB
Airplane tickets, 3 trips for 4 person crew: 22.000 THB
Overnight accommodation, 4 person crew, 3 trips: 6000 THB
Outside production help with locations: 35.000 THB
Outside production help with video: 35.000 THB
Framing/printing photographic artworks: 82.000 THB
Exhibition and event 150.000 THB

More information

http://www.benzander.com/deathbyplastic

Dear Weebooners,

We are very grateful to have received so much support so far.

A special thanks to Solvay Group also for their generous donation.

Let's continue to spread the word and raise funds so we can achieve this project.

Thank you !

Dear Weebooners,

The fund is growing and I receive a lot of calls and emails from people who would like to support our project.

We have already been featured in several media outlets including the Bangkok Post and BK Magazine which is great.

Episode 1 & 2 with Penny J. Lane from The Face Thailand and Dandee, including exclusive contents, are available to view on my page : http://www.benzander.com/deathbyplastic

More episodes to come, stay tuned !

Please keep spreading the word by sharing this campaign and let's change Thailand in an even more beautiful country !