50% of the plastic we use is used once and thrown away. Plastic accounts for roughly 10% of all the garbage on the planet. Roughly 8 million tons of plastic is dumped into the world's oceans every year. It takes between 500 –1000 years for plastic to degrade. One million seabirds and 100.000 mammals die a slow death every year from oceanic plastic waste that they have mistaken for food and eaten. It is called “Death by Plastic”. Today, the majority of the world’s oceanic plastic waste comes from just five countries, and Thailand is one of them, contributing over one thousand tons per year. I want us to change that.

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.

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.