Plastic here, garbage there – what to do with all the trash? Good to know that Chiang Mai has some innovative and green thinkers that might just make the best things since sliced bread. Have a look at these 7 shops that turn waste into useful and charming products.
Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park
At Elephant Poopoopaper Park you get to experience the process of making paper by recycling elephant poo and you can also make jewellery or souvenirs yourself. Can anything be more unique than colourful Jewellery and Paper made of Elephant poo? Well, not quite sure if Elephant poo jewellery is the perfect gift for your beloved one, but it’s definitely something special.
Open every day 9:00 – 17:30
87 Moo. 10, T. Maeram, A. Mae Rim
Facebook: Elephant Poopoopaper Park
www.poopoopaperpark.com/en/
053 299565
Bua Bhat
Bua Bhat provides you with handmade cushions, rugs and everything you need to make your home super comfy and lie in bed forever. You don’t even notice that these decorative products are upcycled left over fabrics and recycled waste, thanks to the awesome work of local women.
Open 8:00 – 17:00, closed on Sundays
134 Moo 8 Buakkang Sankampang
Facebook: Bua Bhat Factory
www.buabhat.com
053 446291
Tua Pen Not Studio
This young artist brings recycling to a whole new level – even his shop and art studio are made of left overs and waste. His products like tote bags, clutches, lamps and furniture are nothing less than stunning. You just need a short glance at his work to know why he is busy all the time. If you want to have a look at his handmade treasures, you better call him before paying a visit.
Open daily 10:00 – 17:00 (better call him)
334 Moo 6 Chonprathan Road Suthep
Facebook: tua pen not
www.tuapennot.com
083 2057384
Ethnic Lanna
Upcycling has never been more colourful. Those gorgeous vintage-bags are made of baby carriers and other fabrics that have been used by hill tribes. You can also find fair trade purses, clothes and handmade jewellery. Welcome to every woman’s paradise!
Open 9:00 – 18:00, Saturdays and Sundays 11:00 – 18:00
52/2 Singharat Road, Tombol Sriphun
ethniclanna.com
053 326242
Hom Fragrances
Watermelon Lemonade, wild hibiscus champagne – oh this scent! Put your purse away, otherwise you will buy a whole lot of these wonderful candles, soaps and body-scrubs, which are on top organic and eco-friendly. The decorative jars are made of used glass bottles – looking quite chic and pleasing your green heart.
Open daily 14:00 – 22:00
Think Park, opposite of MAYA shopping center
Facebook: Hom fragrances
081 8822024
Ecoism
This modern shop offers minimalistic-chic bags and accessories, you never knew you needed until now. They reuse inner tubes, plastic, rice bags and teak leaves to create marvellous products. Looking at these fancy bags we are definitely convinced to buy more green goods to save our planet.
Open daily 10:00 – 21:00
263/1-2 Tapae Road, Chang Klan
Facebook: Ecoism Store
www.theecoism.com
053 271254
Jaidee Wood Shop
Brace yourself for the uber-cool lamps from owner Aof. He fuses used metal and discarded wood into magnificent lamps that are so delicate you just cannot resist to buy one. There are even more great accessories and furniture waiting for you to make your home look dashing and to make you feel you’ve done something good for the planet.
Open daily 13:00 – 22:00, at Think Park
Wednesdays and Thursdays at Maya Market
Facebook: Jaidee Wood Shop
jaideewoodshop.weebly.com
087 3041314
