New amulets have been produced using recyclable and organic waste and are available for purchase, with the proceeds going to a homeless charity.
The amulets are made on the orders of the Mirror Foundation, which works mainly to promote human rights and education. Fifteen types of waste make up the base materials for producing the so-called Phra Sati (mindful) amulet series. They include coffee grounds, discarded milk cartons, broken plastic buckets, and used fishing nets.
Phra Sati amulets, designed by Qualy, are sold at 200 baht apiece, with the proceeds donated toward a charity for assisting the homeless elderly.
The project has been hailed as revolutionary for the disposal of garbage, which also helps in the fight against climate change.
Plai Chumpol, a Thai Rath columnist, wrote that the amulets are revered regardless of their material.
Buddha amulets, typically made of blessed materials, are consecrated after they have been produced. Unfortunately, the consecration has pushed up the prices of the charms, which significantly exceed their intrinsic value.
However, Plai Chumpol said the materials do not matter much as people tend to revere the likeness of the Buddha embossed on the amulets. So, the columnist believes the Phra Santi amulets will be popular with devotees.