Promoting a positive lifestyle through the "Exchange Trash for Trees" program.

"Exchange trash for green trees" is a meaningful program that youth union members in Hoa Lu district are implementing to contribute to spreading a green lifestyle, reducing plastic waste, and working together to protect the environment.

With just 10-15 used plastic cans or cardboard boxes, students and residents of Ninh Khang commune can exchange them for green plants or gifts such as recycled garbage bags, notebooks, children's books, and school supplies.

With its innovative approach, the program "Exchange trash for trees and gifts, 1 million green trees for a green Vietnam," implemented by the Hoa Lu District Youth Union in coordination with the District Department of Education and Training at the "Children's Fun and Healthy Day, Advancing Towards the Youth Union" event, attracted a large number of students and residents.

Comrade Nguyen Thi Minh Yen, Secretary of the Hoa Lu District Youth Union, said: "In the past period, the Standing Committee of the District Youth Union has implemented many projects and activities for young people to join hands in protecting the environment and responding to climate change, in conjunction with key activities during Youth Month."

This year's "Children's Fun and Health Day, Advancing Towards the Youth Union" event was organized in conjunction with the theme of education on waste prevention and environmental protection. In addition to activities like exchanging waste for green plants and gifts, the event also included disseminating useful information on preventing and combating plastic waste, managing and sorting plastic waste, and disposing of single-use plastic bags…

"Children and teenagers are the future generation of the country. These outreach activities will contribute to raising their awareness of environmental protection from an early age, fostering a green lifestyle from a young age."

In just one morning, the "Exchange Trash for Green Plants and Gifts" booth collected 210 kg of paper and cardboard, nearly 360 kg of cans and plastic, and exchanged them for over 300 green plants and various gifts. According to Comrade Nguyen Thu Thuy, Secretary of the Ninh Khang Commune Youth Union, the money collected from the program has been allocated by the Commune Youth Union, along with additional social contributions, to plant bougainvillea trees in Dong Phu village.

In Ninh My commune, the "Exchange Trash for Green Plants" program is also being actively supported by the people, union members, and youth. No matter how much waste you bring, you can exchange it for a lovely potted plant.

The program was launched by the Ninh My Commune Youth Union on March 14th and will run throughout Youth Month. Ms. Hoang Thi Thanh, Secretary of the Ninh My Commune Youth Union, said: "Since its launch, the Commune Youth Union has received 2 quintals of cardboard, 1.6 quintals of paper, over 600 empty cans, and 140 old batteries, which have been exchanged for over 100 plants and flowers."

Promoting a green lifestyle through the — Youth union members in Ninh Khang commune participated in planting a row of bougainvillea trees (Dong Phu village), with funding from the "Exchange Waste for Green Trees" program and social contributions.

The "Exchange Waste for Green Trees" model is a small action with great significance. Through this program, we aim to raise awareness among youth union members, young people, and the public about collecting and sorting plastic waste, reducing the use of single-use plastic products, and abandoning the habit of littering that harms the environment, thereby contributing to building a green, clean, and beautiful landscape. We hope the program will also spread the movement of planting and caring for green trees."

Recognizing environmental protection as a central, ongoing, and long-term movement, the Hoa Lu District Youth Union branches at all levels have consistently strived and acted responsibly in implementing the youth movement for environmental protection. Youth Union branches research and select activities that are appropriate and practical to the specific situation of each locality.

During Youth Month 2024, 100% of the Youth Union branches in the district simultaneously organized the "Volunteer Day for Building New Rural Areas" and "Green Sunday" campaigns with practical activities such as collecting, sorting, and processing waste; planting and caring for trees; cleaning the environment in communes, towns, agencies, and units; cleaning streets and rural roads; exchanging waste for trees; removing illegal advertisements; and raising public awareness about environmental protection…

Many youth participation models for environmental protection are being maintained and expanded, such as: the "Reduced Plastic Waste in Local Markets" model, the "Plastic Bottle and Can Collection Bins" model, the "Exchange Waste for Green Plants" model, and the "Youth-Managed Bright, Green, Clean, and Beautiful Road" model...

Comrade Nguyen Thi Minh Yen, Secretary of the Hoa Lu District Youth Union, added: "In the coming time, the District Youth Union will implement more plans, models, and forms of propaganda to contribute to raising people's awareness of environmental protection, especially the fight against plastic waste."

"Wherever youth are needed, youth will be there; whatever is difficult, youth will overcome it." Through each task and project, the youth of Hoa Lu have affirmed their pioneering role in environmental protection and contributed to building livable rural areas.

Text and photos: Hong Minh

Source