Mindfulness and Sufficiency Economy: Framework for Waste Management Reform

Abstract

Due to increase in population, economic expansion, growth and expansion of the city, more waste problems are increasing and becoming a global problem that every country encounters. Only waste management policies from government and waste management campaigns from private sectors cannot keep up with the excessive waste amount unless all people in societies become aware that their cooperation in waste reduction can make a great contribution. This paper provides an overview of waste management in Thailand, how private sectors take part in waste management, and how consumers in communities can contribute in waste reduction. It also suggests the framework of mindfulness and Sufficiency Economy Philosophy for waste management reform. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. The results showed that consumers can be a big producer of waste due to their overconsumption behavior, so they can take the major role in waste reduction with moderate consumption. Mindfulness can conduct consumers to stay awake and aware of waste problems and have a sense of caring towards other people, their communities and environment. Sufficiency Economy philosophy can work as a guideline for consumers to make ethical choice with moderation, reasonableness, and prudence. With the framework of mindfulness and sufficiency economy philosophy, waste management reform can be conducted at the beginning stage for waste reduction before it is generated. With the care of environment and their communities, consumers will be willing to work together with government and private sectors in following 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) concept for sustainability.