In the face of growing public concern about environmental issues, every simple deed is really essential to make something special in order to change the minds of the public about environmental protection. Notably, the proper collection and handling of waste properly across Da Nang in recent times has been highly appreciated by the general public.

Thach Thang residents swapping recyclable trash for gifts

Showcasing the exciting, vibrant atmosphere, a highly-practical event during which recyclable trash are swapped for gifts has been held in Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District. It is known that this was the fourth time that such a meaningful event has taken shape in the ward.

Such lovely gifts as books, notebooks, pens, keychains, household appliances and small ornamental pots were presented as gifts to those who brought used waste to the event.

In particular, visitors to this event were strongly impressed and surprised to see that plastic waste, which usually ends up at dumps, could be transformed into practical daily items.

Of special note, all money collected from sales of the recyclable trash will be used to support the poor across the ward.

Ms Nguyen Thi Kieu, a teacher from the city-based Ly Tu Trong Primary School highly praised the event for considerably raising awareness of environmental protection amongst people from all walks of life, especially for the young. She hoped to see this highly meaningful idea run persistently in the time ahead.

In fact, the natural environment is in desperate need of help day by day. The amount of waste is increasing year over year, whilst the public awareness of environmental protection, especially amongst young people, is not high.

That’s the main reason why the Thach Thang Ward authorities have done something really special to change people's minds about the environmental protection, starting with the smallest deeds, reducing widely-used, throw-away plastics, for instance. So, the event was born then, said one of the event’s organisers.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Thach Thang Ward Fatherland Front Committee Le Nguyen Anh pledged the event would be carried out in all residential areas in the coming time, with a target of 100% of the households joining this environmental protection-themed campaign.

In the time ahead, focus will be on raising public awareness of the harmful impacts of plastic waste on the environment, encouraging them to consume biodegradable products, and promote the classification of trash right at families into 3 types - organic, inorganic, and recycled.

Da Nang expects to expand the waste classification at source initiative across the city by 2022. In the 2021-2022 period, solid waste in the city will be classified into 4 categories: recyclable waste, such as paper, plastic and metal; toxic waste, such as batteries and light bulbs; construction waste; and other types of waste.

By NGUYEN QUANG- Translated by A.T