‘Top’ initiative to save the environment
Actor-turned-designer of environmentally friendly products, Pipat “Top” Apiruktanakorn, is taking his ideas to the public by launching an e-book, "Eco Design Thai Thai", for free download. He wants to motivate people to change their ways and do less harm to the planet.
Top is the man behind the Eco Shop Common – a learning centre and materials library which serves as a retail outlet for ecologically helpful products – at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The e-book explains the concept of social enterprise together with several successful case studies such as the shop Lemon Farm that sells organic agricultural products of local farmers and the Akha Ama coffee run by an Akha cooperative in Chiang Rai aimed at improving the lives of the local people.
The concept of eco-design and eco-product is comprehensively illustrated, putting together interviews with noted figures who have been working hard to make a difference. Among them are ML Kathathong Thongyai, the driving force behind the Department of International Trade Promotion; ML Dispanandda Diskul of Mae Fah Luang Foundation; Tanasak Sakariganon of Siam Cement Group, and Top himself. His products, like bicycle accessories, are all made from leftovers.
Top believes that getting many people to exert even minimal effort to help the environment can have a huge impact. He has also produced a four-minute video titled “Eco 24 HRS”, in which 24 people offer clever green suggestions, which can be seen on YouTube.
“Public awareness about the need to conserve resources is growing steadily, but many people simply don’t know how to start,” says Top.
The e-book can be downloaded at https://goo.gl/LM9tml. For details, visit “Ecoshop Common” page on Facebook.
