HCM CITY — A community clean-up event to mark Earth Day brought together more than 2,000 volunteers from associations, organisations and universities besides local residents, who picked up garbage at 12 locations in HCM City yesterday morning.

The event, dubbed “Live responsibly: Reduce Plastic Pollution”, sought to raise public awareness of the negative impacts of littering and trash in Việt Nam, and highlight the importance of individual responsibility for the environment.

It called on people, especially the future generations, to start by doing the smallest acts in their daily life to achieve a healthier and more sustainable living environment.

It was organised by the Keep Việt Nam Clean and Green Organisation in collaboration with the Việt Nam Youth Federation, American Chamber of Commerce in Việt Nam, US consulate in HCM City and many companies.

Garbage was picked up in public areas such as parks, residential areas, schools, supermarkets and main streets in the city’s districts 1, 2 and 7.

The garbage was then exchanged for potted plants.

Nguyễn Thị Châu Anh, a volunteer from Bình Thạnh District who had come with her husband and two children, said: “Everyone should have social responsibility to join hands in preventing pollution.”

Volunteers pick up garbage around 23/9 Park in HCM City’s District 1 to mark Earth Day yesterday. — VNS Photo Ngọc Diệp

She hoped the annual event would help people, especially the younger generations including her children, fully understand the negative effects of littering.

The Earth Day Network’s topic this year, “End Plastic Pollution”, provided the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitudes and behaviours towards plastics.

Many activities were also held in central Đà Nẵng City yesterday to mark the Earth Day. Volunteers joined together to clean beaches, pick up garbage and sort garbage. An exhibition highlighting activities aiming at protecting the environment and entertainment activities such as games were organised to raise public awareness of environmental protection.

In Hà Nội, a dialogue on measures for sustainable energy for the community was held on Saturday as part of Earth Day celebrations. The event, drawing representatives from social organisations, businesses and related experts, provided a venue for them to discuss models of sustainable energy sources such as wind power generated from cheap recycled materials and solar power to run air filter machines.

Since 1970 the United Nations has been celebrating April 22 as Earth Day, which attracts millions of people world-wide to join in to promote public awareness of environmental protection.

This year’s event attracted around 4,000 expats and Vietnamese in Hà Nội, Hội An, Huế, HCM City, and Phú Quốc Island.

Việt Nam is among the top five countries contributing to plastic waste thrown into the ocean, with 1.8 million tonnes per year, according to a recent international survey. — VNS