Hanoi (VNA) - As plastic waste continues to choke our oceans, rivers, and landscapes, Vietnam is ramping up efforts to tackle one of the world’s most pressing environmental threats. In a strong call to action, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is urging every citizen to be part of the solution—beginning at home.
This year’s World Environment Day, marked on June 5, carries the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” In response, the ministry has launched a nationwide campaign titled “Joining Hands to Reduce Plastic Waste – Spreading Green Living.” The initiative calls for practical changes in daily habits and encourages communities, households, and businesses to rethink their relationship with plastic.
Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh highlighted the alarming scale of the crisis. Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, and more than two-thirds of that is designed for single use. In Vietnam alone, an estimated 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually, but only 27% is recycled. The rest is either burned or buried, resulting in wasted resources and significant harm to ecosystems and public health.
To address this, Vietnam has taken major legislative and policy steps. These include the 2020 Environmental Protection Law, a national plan to reduce ocean plastic waste, and a series of incentives to promote recycling and circular economy models. The country has set ambitious goals: by 2030, it aims to reduce marine plastic waste by 75%, eliminate single-use plastics in coastal tourism areas, and make marine protected zones completely plastic-free.
Despite these efforts, the minister acknowledged challenges in enforcement and public engagement. “We have laws and strategies, but the on-the-ground implementation is still patchy,” he said. “Infrastructure for waste separation at source is inadequate, and single-use plastics remain prevalent in daily life.”
Still, there are bright spots across the country. Cities like Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City are pioneering innovative waste management models. “Green markets,” plastic-free neighbourhoods, and localised recycling initiatives are gaining traction. Many businesses have started to adopt biodegradable packaging and shift toward circular manufacturing systems.
A centrepiece of this year’s campaign is “No Single-Use Plastic Day,” to be observed at offices, schools, supermarkets, and marketplaces nationwide. The campaign also promotes source-based waste separation, community recycling, and eco-friendly farming practices that minimise plastic usage.
Vietnam’s efforts have also drawn support from international environmental organisations. Dr Van Ngoc Thinh, Country Director of WWF Vietnam, praised the government’s initiatives but emphasised the crucial role of public participation. “Ending plastic pollution requires more than policies—it requires behavioural change,” he said. “We must say no to plastic bags, straws, and disposable cups. Small, everyday actions—like sorting waste or collecting litter—can lead to big results.”
Dr Thinh pointed out that Vietnam’s youthful population offers an opportunity to build a new culture of sustainability. He called for stronger investment in education and innovation, especially in developing clean technologies and expanding recycling infrastructure.
“Vietnam is heading in the right direction,” he noted. “With stronger cooperation between government, industry, and civil society, we can scale up green models and reduce reliance on plastics.”
Ultimately, the message from both government leaders and environmental experts is the same: the fight against plastic pollution starts with each individual. From refusing single-use items to participating in local clean-up efforts, every household plays a vital role in protecting the environment. Real change will not come from top-down mandates alone—but from everyday actions that, collectively, shape a greener, cleaner future./.
