Hai Phong's schools going plastic-free

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Hai Phong students turn plastic bottles into decorative pots for plants. Photo provided by project

In response to the Climate Justice 2019 campaign, ActionAid Vietnam launched the "Plastic Free Schools" program 2019-2020. Plastic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges that the world is facing. This is also the cause of greenhouse gases leading to climate change.

The program includes a series of activities carried out at 111 primary and secondary schools in 11 districts where AAV is working. The program starts from September 2019 to May 2020. It aims to change students' perceptions and behaviors about the negative impacts of plastic waste by stopping the disposal of plastic waste in 1 day/1 month or completely stopping the disposal of plastic waste.

In Hai Phong City, the campaign successfully launched in 8 schools of three districts An Lao, Vinh Bao and Duong Kinh in September 2019 gaining a lot of positive results and response from many stakeholders, especially students. The activity not only changed awareness but also behavior, thereby changing the habits of using plastic.

During the seminar, the representatives of the schools bravely shared the results that the schools achieved after the campaign. For example, Tran Tat Van Primary School integrated the city theme to build a communication program on protecting the environment from garbage, besides, the school also built a display area of art products recycled from one-use plastic, which was very unique.

Hoang Thi Oanh, Teacher of Tran Tat Van Primary School shared: “After the Center for the Poor Workers and ActionAid Vietnam organized the launching event for the Plastic Free School campaign, students are the ones to be more eager than all. The children collect used plastic bottles and recycle them to decorate classrooms, which also contributes to protect the environment and keep the classrooms clean.

Seeing the excited spirit of the children, the school and family are very happy and eager to join them in the idea of writing an initiative about reducing plastic waste in schools. One of the schools has received an award for initiative ideas. On this occasion, on behalf of Tran Tat Van Primary School - An Lao District, I would like to thank the Center for the Poor Workers of the Hai Phong city Labor Union and ActionAid Vietnam for making useful and meaningful programs and help students improve their awareness while learning and playing.”

Vietnam’s first recycled plastic-made road also was built in the northern port city of Hai Phong./.