Buddhist-Oriented Zero Waste Community Network under Circular Economy Concept: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

In this research, an attempt was purposely made: 1) to study the Buddhist-oriented zero waste community network under the circular economy concept, 2) to strengthen the Buddhist-oriented zero waste community under the circular economy concept, 3) to analyze the waste management of Buddhist-oriented zero waste community under the circular economy concept. The study employs qualitative method to explore in-depth interview, of nine model community leaders and also set up action research to conduct fieldwork to build up the Buddhist-oriented zero waste community network under the circular economy concept.

The results are as follows: 1. The network of 9 prototype zero waste communities employ networking system to coordinate between participant group and organizations who are sharing objectives, joining activities, helping each other and gaining mutual benefits develop learning process which helps communities to improve their quality of life. The communities also become the learning centers for other communities and interested people to learn about waste management or request for supportive help. 2. Building a zero waste community of “Boworn” principle, the cooperation among houses, temples and schools, is used as a concept idea to strengthen and sustain the Buddhist-oriented zero waste community. The way to strengthen communities leads to the development of two networks. 1) Supportive network: temples, schools, and charity sectors; 2) Learning exchange network: other villages in Bannpom subdistrict, Phukaothong subdistrict and Sumpaolom subdistrict. 3. The ice breaking activities with 4 Bases 5 Activities satisfy the participants so they can manage waste with more understanding and happiness. The 4 Bases 5 Activities mean to establish unity for working together to reduce waste and make their communities beautiful and clean. The expansion of waste management concept to other communities will help the model communities to move forward with sustainability.