The Challenge

The tradition of offering these figurines has grown immensely popular, leading to the production of over 100,000 votive figures annually. While this practice is culturally significant, it poses a significant environmental challenge. These figures are typically made from plaster, a material that is difficult to dispose of and contributes to Thailand's severe PM2.5 pollution problem. The incineration process used to dispose of these figures releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, exacerbating the already critical air quality issues in the region.

Solution

Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional votive offerings, the idea for the "Zero Pollution Zebra" was conceived. This innovative project aimed to revolutionize the production of votive figures by creating environmentally friendly and self-degradable zebras.

The Zero Pollution Zebra is crafted from agricultural waste, using fungi as a natural adhesive. This eco-friendly approach ensures that the materials used are not only sustainable but also contribute to reducing agricultural waste. The production process involves drying and forming the figures before painting them with eco-friendly paints.

The key innovation lies in the biodegradability of these zebras. Unlike traditional plaster figures, the Zero Pollution Zebra can decompose naturally, transforming into soil and natural fertilizer. This eliminates the need for incineration, significantly reducing pollution and making the votive offering practice 100% unpolluted.

The implementation of the Zero Pollution Zebra project required meticulous planning and collaboration between various stakeholders. The project began with extensive research into sustainable materials and biodegradable adhesives. Agricultural waste was identified as an abundant and underutilized resource, and fungi were chosen for their natural adhesive properties.

Once the materials were sourced, the production process was refined to ensure the figures were durable yet biodegradable. This involved multiple stages of drying and forming the zebras, followed by painting them with eco-friendly paints. The final product was subjected to rigorous testing to confirm its biodegradability and environmental impact.

To introduce the Zero Pollution Zebra to the market, a comprehensive marketing campaign was launched. This included partnerships with temples and shrines across Thailand, as well as collaborations with environmental organizations to promote the benefits of the eco-friendly votive figures.

Results

The Zero Pollution Zebra campaign achieved remarkable success, both in terms of environmental impact and public engagement:

• Significant Media Coverage: The campaign garnered over 20 million baht in free earned media value. More than 30 media outlets, including major news channels, newspapers, and online platforms, covered the story, highlighting the innovative approach and its environmental benefits.
• Increased Awareness: The widespread media coverage helped raise awareness about the environmental impact of traditional votive offerings and the benefits of switching to eco-friendly alternatives. This awareness extended beyond Thailand, drawing international attention to the project.
• Cultural Impact: The campaign set a new standard for votive offerings in Thailand. Temples and shrines began adopting the Zero Pollution Zebra, encouraging devotees to choose environmentally friendly options. This shift not only helped reduce pollution but also reinforced the importance of sustainability within cultural practices.
• Environmental Benefits: By replacing traditional plaster figures with biodegradable zebras, the project significantly reduced the amount of waste requiring incineration. This contributed to a reduction in PM2.5 pollution, improving air quality and supporting Thailand's broader environmental goals.
• Community Engagement: The project fostered a sense of community involvement, with local artisans and agricultural producers participating in the production process. This not only provided economic opportunities but also strengthened the connection between cultural traditions and environmental stewardship.