The residents of Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District, have been supportive and actively participating in the "Plastic Waste Classification Residential Area" model launched by the ward's Youth Union organisation. Photo: B.H

Faced with the issue of residents littering plastic waste, cans, and scrap materials on pavements, vacant lots, and along riverbanks, the Thuan Phuoc ward-based Youth Union organisation has implemented the "Plastic Waste Classification Residential Area" model to raise public awareness about environmental protection and waste classification.

The ward’s Youth Union organisation has equipped residential sub-unions with a trolley fitted with a bin for collecting waste, and simultaneously educated local residents about the model's significance to encourage community participation.

Once a week, Tran Nguyen Gia Nhu, Secretary of the Binh Phuoc 1 Youth Union organisation, along with friends, equipped with gloves and masks, pushes the trolley from the community house to each household to collect various types of waste, such as cans, plastic bottles, and scrap materials.

Recyclable waste is used to create decorative items, while the rest is sold as scrap to fund social welfare activities. "Understanding the significance of the model, residents proactively collect cans and plastic bottles and bring them to the community house's waste bin. After sorting, we recycle some items to give to children, and the proceeds from selling scrap are used for organising recreational activities for children and giving gifts to poor households in the area," Gia Nhu explained.

Tran Thi Chuan, a resident of Binh Phuoc 1, expresses her support for the youth's environmental protection model, stating that it not only preserves the urban landscape but also raises awareness among residents about waste classification and recycling.

According to Le Thi Bich Hien, Secretary of Thuan Phuoc Ward Youth Union, aside from this model, the Union frequently mobilises its members to clean streets, alleys, and vacant lots. In the coming period, the Youth Union organisation, along with other local forces, plans to clear drains and water holes to prevent flooding on roads.

The Environment Club of Hoa Hai Ward-based Youth Union organisation in Ngu Hanh Son District was established in 2022 with over 20 members. It now operates under the motto "small actions, big meaning". Weekly, club members get involved in cleaning polluted areas and vacant lots, and educating residents about the importance of proper waste disposal.

As shared by Nguyen Nho Hoai, Secretary of Hoa Hai Ward Youth Union organisation, in the past, certain streets and vacant lots were polluted due to indiscriminate dumping of waste and construction debris. The club members regularly conduct clean-up drives, clear shrubs, and place warning signs to prevent pollution. During the annual stormy season, the club members are the frontline force assisting local authorities with relocating residents, securing houses, trimming fallen trees, and cleaning streets and beaches. Despite operating on a voluntary basis, the club members are enthusiastic and actively participate.

During the summer volunteer youth campaign in 2024, Youth Union chapters surveyed and selected polluted canals, ditches, and ponds in Hoa Vang District for clean-up, dredging, and water flow clearance to support irrigation. Additionally, district and ward-level Youth Union organisations have launched various models, such as "Plastic Waste Classification in Residential Areas," "Markets Reducing Plastic Bags," and "Blooming Utility Poles". Weekly, grassroots youth union organisation organise environmental clean-up activities, remove illegal advertisements, and clean streets and alleys.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Anh Thao, Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Youth Union, noted that these activities highlighted the proactive and responsible roles of youth union officials, members, and young people in environmental protection and climate change response. This fosters regular habits and actions within the community, significantly contributing to the movement of building new-style rural areas and civilised urban areas. Each youth member also acts as a propagandist, encouraging their families and communities to enhance environmental awareness.

Reporting by Ngoc Quoc - Translating by Truc Vy