The "Plastic Waste Reduction Market”, a youth-led initiative launched by the Youth Union organisation in Thanh Khe District, Da Nang, has been implemented across various markets in the locality over the years. This initiative aims to promote a green lifestyle within the community, starting with market activities.

Thanh Khe youth distributing biodegradable bags and market baskets to residents and vendors. Photo: N.D.

In recent times, residents and vendors at the Thuan An Market in An Khe Ward, Chinh Gian Market in Chinh Gian Ward, and Tan Chinh Market in Tan Chinh Ward have been informed about the harmful effects of plastic bags and the necessity of reducing plastic waste. The blue-clad volunteers provide vendors and shoppers with biodegradable bags, reusable baskets, and paper bags. They also give brief talks on the environmental benefits of these small gifts and encourage people to use reusable bags, baskets, and containers when shopping for food and goods.

Holding a biodegradable bag, Mrs Le Thi Lieu, a vendor at the Tan Lap Market in Thac Gian Ward, shared that she knew plastic bags are hard to decompose and harm the environment. However, she explained that their convenience and low cost make them a habit. After hearing the volunteers' explanations, she had learned about alternative bags that are not much more expensive and are environmentally friendly. She and her fellow vendors will gradually eliminate using plastic bags.

Mrs Pham Ho Hoai Anh, a resident of An Khe Ward, echoed this sentiment and avoids using plastic bags when shopping. In addition to the biodegradable bags given by the ward's youth volunteers, she brings her own baskets, containers, or newspaper to wrap food.

These are positive signs showing the growing green lifestyle in the community after the long-term implementation of the "Plastic Waste Reduction Market" model.

Phan Tran Hai Giang, Secretary of the Youth Union organisation in An Khe Ward, said the model has been in place since 2020, involving numerous activities to raise awareness among residents and vendors about reducing plastic waste and fostering the habit of "green shopping". Additionally, the initiative includes fundraising from the regular collection of plastic waste and newspapers in residential areas to buy eco-friendly bags for the community. He noted that many vendors now purchase biodegradable bags on their own, and people are accustomed to reducing plastic bag use when shopping.

Thanh Khe District is a pioneering locality in the city, and in implementing a programme for the collection, sorting, and recycling of plastic waste to promote a healthy community and a green city. Various models have been adopted here to create a plastic waste-free community, including the "Plastic Waste Reduction Market" model, bringing positive changes to markets and market points in 10 wards across the district.

Besides distributing eco-friendly bags, the volunteers also organise programmes like exchanging waste for plants or food, teaching people how to sort waste correctly, and collecting recyclable waste. As a result, the movement to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment has spread at markets and throughout the locality.

Vo Duy Rin, Secretary of the Youth Union organisation in Thanh Khe District, mentioned that the "Plastic Waste Reduction Market" model is carried out regularly every month and every quarter, according to conditions and actual situations. This is one of the models with widespread impact, contributing to the local government's efforts to meet the criteria of plastic waste reduction in local markets.

Reporting by NAM DINH - Translating by TRUC VY