The PM2.5 dust problem, which arises from various sources, is an urgent issue requiring collaboration from all sectors. Creating a clean environment and promoting healthy living starts at the individual, family, and community levels. Recently, residents of San Kamphaeng District set a great example with the "Leaf Exchange Egg Market Project." They are encouraged to collect dry leaves in exchange for chicken eggs, rather than burning them, to reduce dust levels.

Mr. Natthaphong Phornsombunkit, District Officer of San Kamphaeng, Chiang Mai Province, explained that this initiative follows the policy of Chiang Mai Governor Mr. Nirattapong Sittithavorn. The policy aims to prevent and resolve the problems of wildfires, smog, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by urging all sectors to work together for cleaner air in Chiang Mai—especially by stopping all forms of open burning.

Inspired by these directives, Mr. Phinyo Puasriphan, the district officer, proposed encouraging local residents to avoid burning and reduce dry leaves, a common fuel during smog and wildfire seasons. The “San Kamphaeng Leaf Exchange Egg Market” project operates under the slogan:
"Our San Kamphaeng Does Not Burn – Exchange Dry Leaves for Eggs; Keep Smog, Smoke, and Wildfires at Bay; and Let Everyone Breathe Freely."

Held at the San Kamphaeng district office, community members are invited to bring dry leaves in exchange for chicken eggs. The project is supported by Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) and runs until May 15 of this year. Municipalities from various sub-districts will collect the leaves to produce compost, which will be used by farmers as a cost-effective and soil-enhancing alternative to chemical fertilizers. The project aims to collect up to 20,000 kilograms of leaves.

“Although Chiang Mai Province enforces a no-burning policy every year, residents face challenges with proper disposal of dry leaves. That’s why the San Kamphaeng District has launched this project, accepting 1 kilogram of dry leaves in exchange for 1 chicken egg every Thursday,” Mr. Natthaphong explained. “We appreciate CPF for supporting the initiative with 1,200 eggs per week and for donating two air blowers to help disperse the leaves and create firebreaks to prevent wildfires.”

Some villagers even brought in up to 30 kilograms of dry leaves to exchange for eggs, receiving one tray (30 eggs) per person. Mr. Chatchawin Suraphipit, a resident of Village 12 in San Kamphaeng Sub-district, noted that the project not only helps reduce the accumulation of dry leaves at homes and farms—thereby cutting down on burning and PM2.5 dust—but also provides families with eggs, reducing household expenses and keeping communities cleaner overall.

Ms. Kasenr Intakaew, a resident of Village 6 in Huai Sai Sub-district, added, “The community is very happy to contribute to the 'Our San Kamphaeng Does Not Burn' initiative. Reducing burning means less dust and cleaner air for our homes. The leaf exchange for eggs project by CPF is a great incentive for everyone to work together to prevent wildfires and smog. Instead of burning dry leaves, we are now turning them into a useful resource.”