REFILL YOUR BOOTS
Asmall refill station at Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, paved the way for a staff member to reduce plastic. Pimpicha Thonwienngchan is the supervisor at Term Tem Refill Shoppe, a bulk shop where customers can refill their empty shampoo, detergent and shower gel bottles.
Term Tem Refill Shoppe opened in August last year with the purpose of promoting a zero-waste lifestyle among Thammasat students.
Before working for the shop, Pimpicha was unaware of the plastic waste problem. She never carried a cloth bag or a reusable food container. Her ambition to stop using plastic came when she read an article about plastic in the ocean.
“I needed to find content for the refill shop and I came across an article about marine animals dying because of plastic waste,” she said. “I felt bad for the animals, so I decided to stop using single-use plastic bags.”
She admits it can be difficult to totally avoid plastic, but she always carries eco-friendly items with her.
“I always carry with me a cloth bag, a stainless steel water bottle and a food container.”
One way Pimpicha sustains her eco-friendly lifestyle is by not being afraid of saying no to plastic. “It is not a major problem for me to refuse plastic. When I do, most street vendors are actually really happy that they do not have to waste their resources.”
Being the supervisor at the refill station motivates her to continue pursuing an eco-friendly lifestyle. Pimpicha has become a regular customer utilising all the services they have to offer.
“I use the refill services at the store every day, especially the snack section. I like to refill my container with goodies and bring them with me to the office.”
The ban on single-use plastics at the beginning of January had no major effect on Pimpicha.
“It feels good that I started earlier, so it is not a drastic adjustment,” she said with a smile.
Pimpicha hopes to be an inspiration to others with her ability to go without single-use plastic.
“I don’t feel like I am better than other people because I have reduced my plastic waste, but I want to see more people like me,” she concluded.