Hanoi (VNA) – From reusable shopping bags to digital payments, green consumption is no longer just a slogan but has become a lifestyle embraced by many Vietnamese people, reflecting a transformation from awareness to concrete action.
Growing awareness of sustainable consumption
Dr Tran Thi Hong Minh, President of the Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, said sustainable consumption is not simply a social trend but a vital requirement for Vietnam’s deeper international integration and sustainable development. She underscored that this effort demands the joint involvement of the Government, businesses, and consumers alike.
Across Hanoi, green consumption practices have become increasingly visible, especially among the younger generation. Many residents are consciously adopting environmentally friendly habits in their daily lives.
Nguyen Thi Thanh, a 38-year-old resident of Ba Dinh ward, said she has stopped using plastic bags for over a year, opting instead for cloth bags, plastic containers, or woven baskets, a change that has now become part of her routine.
Some supermarket chains such as AEON, WinMart and FujiMart have switched to biodegradable packaging and encouraged customers to use cloth bags. Several have offered discounts for buyers who use eco-friendly bags. Such small changes have proved effective in nurturing new habits.
Businesses and technology driving the green shift
According to the National Statistics Office, the first half of 2025 witnessed a significant surge in e-commerce and digital payments, signalling a shift in consumer behaviour, particularly among the youth. Platforms like Shopee and TikTok Shop are pioneering “social commerce”, combining innovation, values, and user experience to foster digital marketing and environmentally conscious consumption.
Meanwhile, retail chains like Bac Tom and Soi Bien have pledged to offer organic and traceable products in recycled packaging. Meanwhile, a growing number of start-ups are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to improve marketing efficiency and help consumers easily identify eco-friendly goods.
Experts believe that Vietnamese enterprises must align with international standards of quality and sustainability to enhance their competitiveness. Implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles is viewed as key to earning and maintaining consumer trust.
Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quoc Thinh from the Thuongmai University emphasised that “trust” and “quality” remain the cornerstones of sustainable consumption. He urged businesses to be transparent about product origins, invest in clean technology, and build brands rooted in genuine value.
The “cautious spending” mindset formed after the COVID-19 pandemic has also made consumers more prudent, requiring businesses to reinforce confidence in their product quality and sustainability to revitalise market demand.
Although challenges persist in promoting eco-friendly consumption across retail networks, the growing public commitment and sense of environmental responsibility represent a significant step towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
Joint efforts by enterprises and consumers are helping to reduce plastic waste and safeguard the planet. Thinh stressed, adding that policies promoting green consumption must be implemented consistently and closely monitored to ensure lasting impact./.
