Application of Buddhist Principles in Environmentally Friendlybusiness Operations

Abstract

This research article aims: 1) to study the environmental problems arising from modern business practices; 2) to study the concept of environmentally friendly business practices based on Buddhist principles; and 3) to present a model for applying Buddhist principles in environmentally friendly business practices. The research area is a group of garment manufacturing businesses in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. There were 50 key informants. This research is qualitative. The results of the study found that: 1) Environmental problems arising from current business operations include: The problem of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, transportation, and production leads to global warming, water, air, soil, and noise pollution from factories and massive amounts of waste, especially plastics and packaging. This impacts health, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, with consumer pressure and ESG legislation pushing businesses to become more sustainable. 2) The concept of environmentally friendly business based on Buddhist principles is linked to important principles such as (1) the Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada), which is managing resources in a balanced way, not going to extremes in both production and consumption; (2) the Four Right Efforts (The Four Padhāna), which are preventing environmentally unfriendly businesses (Saṁvara-padhāna), abandoning pollutants (Pahāna-padhāna), cultivating environmentally friendly production and innovation (Bhāvanā-padhāna), and preserving environmental goodness for sustainability (Anurakkhanā-padhāna), in order to create businesses that grow in a truly balanced way both economically and environmentally; (3) the Right Livelihood, which is doing business that does not harm or pollute; (4) the Four Noble Truths (Ariya Sacca 4), which is using a systemic problem-solving process; and (5) the Threefold Training (Trisikha), which is doing business with morality and knowledge. 3) The application of Buddhist principles in environmentally friendly business practices utilizes comprising four steps: 3.1 Saṁvara-padhāna: Striving to prevent pollution; 3.2 Pahāna-padhāna: Immediately addressing and resolving environmental problems or impacts, not ignoring them; 3.3 Bhāvanā-padhāna: Continuously creating and developing positive impacts on the environment and 3.4 Anurakkhanā-padhāna: Maintaining the good standards and positive environmental outcomes achieved over time.