The programme of exchanging plastic waste for face masks is implemented in Hà Tĩnh Province. — Photo baotainguyenmoitruong.vn

HÀ TĨNH — Hà Tĩnh Province has implemented many creative models of treating plastic waste, educating residents on damages caused by the waste to the environment and helping them change their habits.

Hà Tĩnh City is an urban area with a large amount of daily waste discharged into the environment, causing Hà Tĩnh City People's Committee to implement a strategic action plan.

The committee and the World Wide Fund for Nature in Việt Nam signed a declaration of participation in the urban plastic reduction programme.

The two sides committed to solving the problem of plastic waste pollution towards the goal of having no more natural waste in 2030.

Under the plan, the Hà Tĩnh City leaders assigned the municipal Department of Natural Resources and Environment to coordinate with the Women's Union and the Department of Education and Training to implement in wards and communes.

Initially, 60 households in Hà Huy Tập Ward received training about plastic waste classification at its source and make compost from organic waste.

Many families gradually changed their thinking about waste. Now, people are happy to do their bit.

Good ways

Identified as the pioneer in the campaign, the Hà Tĩnh Province Women's Union has held activities to limit the use of plastic bags and disposable plastic products.

The union's effective models and initiatives are gradually being replicated, limiting plastic things in daily life and reducing plastic waste discharged into the environment.

In recent years, the model of 'women carrying baskets to the market' is no longer strange in the province.

Nguyễn Thị Việt Hà, chairwoman of the Hà Tĩnh Province Women's Union, said: "The model is considered as a practical and effective way to raise people's awareness in reducing nylon bags, which are hard to decompose. From the initial work, we have developed a programme to guide people about the harmful effects of plastic bags, encouraging them to use cloth and environmentally friendly bags instead."

The Hà Tĩnh Youth Union launched the 'exchange plastic waste for masks' model. It created a strong effect, attracting many people to participate.

The programme also contributed to COVID-19 prevention and control and environmental protection.

After exchanging plastic waste, it is classified and sold for recycling. The funds are used to buy masks and anti-pandemic products.

Phan Tiến Dũng, head of the Lộc Hà District Division of Natural Resources and Environment, said: "Exchanging plastic waste for masks or collecting plastic waste for funds to buy pandemic prevention and control products is a practical way of dealing with COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this work raises people's awareness of environmental protection, disease prevention and control."

Phan Lam Sơn, deputy director of the Hà Tĩnh Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said: "All of the programmes create positive change in people's awareness of the harmful effects of plastic waste. They have been proactive and take action to reduce plastic bags and disposable plastic products." — VNS