15/01/2025
From My Best Life CNX
Hello and Happy New Year, friends!
As many of you who live in or visit Chiang Mai know, after the 2020 pandemic, we reluctantly began phasing out our zero-waste store, which had been a part of our journey since 2017. It was with great sadness that we saw fewer people utilizing our refill station or purchasing products designed to support a more sustainable lifestyle.
While it has been an honor to be the first Zero Waste store in Chiang Mai- since 2020, I’ve noticed a shift, both here in Chiang Mai and globally, as convenience and necessity have led many to rely more heavily on online shopping -often accompanied by single-use plastic packaging. Food, drinks, and everyday essentials are now frequently ordered online, making the practice of refilling containers feel less relevant for some. The irony of refilling shampoo and cleaning product bottles while ordering lunch in plastic packaging created a sense of cognitive dissonance that I believe many struggled with.
I understand how challenging it is to make better choices when surrounded by easier ones. It’s also discouraging to see large-scale negative environmental impact from the actions of governments, corporations or individuals—like a billionaire’s space trip—while we as individuals work so hard to make small, meaningful changes.
While we made the difficult decision to remove our refill stations and discontinue selling many sustainable products by 2023, our commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. In our business, we prioritize environmental responsibility over profits or convenience. Our kitchen operates as low- to zero-waste, and we continue to use only natural cleaning supplies, amongst other positively impactful choices for the environment. The space that was used for refilling stations has enabled us to expand our thrift store and help people purchase household or personal items secondhand and at a great price.
We also still carry many of our best-selling eco-friendly products from local brands, including, bamboo and metal straws, bamboo toothbrushes, toothpaste tabs, loofahs, natural shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face oils, magnesium spray, essential oil body sprays, natural mosquito repellent, colloidal silver and gold water, period cups, and reusable pads. Additionally, we offer vegan food products like hot sauces, nut butters, and other condiments, as well as items we produce ourselves, including chili oil, green tea leaf salad kits, Shan kimchi, kefir yogurt, vegan chocolate bars, and upcycled gifts made from fabric in our donation center.
Since opening Free Bird Cafe in 2009, we’ve accepted clothing and household item donations, sorting and sending 99% of them to communities in need across Northern Thailand and into Myanmar/Burma. Items that aren’t suitable for donation are sold in our thrift shop at reasonable prices, with profits used to purchase essentials like dry rice, lentils, and emergency medical supplies, providing teacher salaries and other essentials for those we serve.
We remain committed to operating as a circular economy, with sustainability at the heart of everything we do. If you’re in Chiang Mai, please visit us at Free Bird Cafe CNX Donation Center and Thrift Store. Follow our page there to stay updated on our efforts and offerings.
Thank you for your continued support and for being part of our journey.
With gratitude,�Lisa and the Free Bird Family
Video: Visit CNX’s social enterprise supporting refugees from Burma/Myanmar with 100% of the profits, a place where you can drop your pre-loved items in usable condition, thrift with super low prices for yourself and your home and enjoy a delicious, plant based meal. We also host fun events, a weekly women’s lunch on Wednesdays 12-2pm, Monthly (last Sunday) clothing swap, Open Mic’s, wellness, wellbeing and arts workshops and cultural events. Please visit us soon 🙏🏽♥️🙏🏽
