The ‘Exchange Plastic Waste for Clean Food’ initiative, launched by the Youth Union of An Khe Ward in Thanh Khe District, aims to reduce waste and its impact on the environment. This programme has proven to be doubly effective in local environmental protection efforts.

The 'Exchange Plastic Waste for Clean Food' market organised by the Youth Union organisation in An Khe Ward, Lien Chieu District

A familiar sight on the last Sunday morning of every quarter at the Dong Xuan Community Cultural House is residents bringing plastic waste to exchange for food. Organised by the An Khe Ward Youth Union, the event has become well-known among locals.

Nguyen Thi Ngai, a resident of Group 63, An Khe Ward, shared her enthusiasm after receiving fresh vegetables and some essentials in exchange for bottles and cardboard handed over to the organisers. She mentioned that local officials and community leaders regularly informed her about the harmful effects of plastic waste and the benefits of the exchange programme, encouraging her and her family to collect recyclable items.

She remarked that the initiative by the youth members was commendable, as it not only provided clean food for residents without any cost but also reduced the amount of plastic waste generated by households, thereby contributing to environmental protection.

The prices were written on old cardboard and displayed in front of the stalls for easy reference by the public. Within minutes of opening, enthusiastic locals flocked to the market with bags full of beer cans, scrap paper, and cardboard boxes.

The fresh vegetables, fruits, and other essentials exchanged at the market were donated by vendors from the Hoa Cuong wholesale market, mobilised by the Youth Union. Volunteers were present at the market from 5:00 am, sorting and transporting the produce to be neatly arranged on the shelves.

As residents brought in plastic waste, youth members diligently counted cans and weighed paper and plastic to determine the equivalent amount of vegetables and fruits. Another group assisted residents in selecting goods, packing them in bags, wrapping them in paper, or putting them in biodegradable bags.

The unique aspect of this market is its non-monetary payment system, where items are exchanged for waste rather than cash, bank transfers, or QR codes. Various types of plastic waste, recyclable materials, and batteries could be used for bartering.

Since its inception in 2023, the ‘Exchange Plastic Waste for Clean Food’ model by the An Khe Ward Youth Union has garnered significant interest from the local community.

Phan Nguyen Bao Tran, a resident of Group 53, An Khe Ward, mentioned that at school, she was regularly educated about environmental protection and the harmful effects of plastic waste on life and health. The youth members in the ward also encouraged families to sort their waste and save it for the exchange programme. Her family has been practicing waste sorting for a long time and has participated in the exchange many times.

Phan Tran Hai Giang, the Secretary of the An Khe Ward Youth Union, stated that although the model is still relatively new, it has received enthusiastic support from the community. Residents collect various plastic and recyclable waste from their daily activities and bring them to the market to exchange for food. The model has a dual impact, including raising awareness about the harmful effects of littering, especially plastic waste, and providing clean food for residents at no cost.

In previous initiatives, the Youth Union organised similar markets where waste could be exchanged for gifts. Based on community feedback, they devised the idea of exchanging waste for essential food items, which resulted in a high participation rate due to its practicality.

On average, each market session results in the collection of thousands of bottles and beer cans, tens of kilograms of paper, and hundreds of used batteries. The plastic waste collected is sold by the Youth Union to generate funds for social activities, such as the 'Study Corner for Children' programme, which provides books and school supplies to underprivileged students in the area.

In nearly two years, the Youth Union has donated two 'Study Corners for Children' and books worth nearly VND 8 million.

The ‘Exchange Plastic Waste for Clean Food’ model, organised by the An Khe Ward Youth Union, has proven to be a highly effective environmental protection activity. It fosters the habit of waste sorting at the source among individuals and families. The model not only reduces plastic waste in the environment but also promotes a green and responsible lifestyle within the community.

Reporting by MAI HA - Translating by TRUC VY