Women spreading green lifestyle

Ms. Hue (right) and members classify and collect scrap to sell to raise funds.

The model of "Turning trash into money" pioneered by Ms. Hue not only creates funds, but also becomes a good living habit, contributing to building a green - clean - beautiful neighborhood. At the end of 2017, after retiring, Ms. Hue was assigned to be the Head of the Women's Association of Zone 5, Hong Hai Ward, Ha Long City (now Zone 5 Hong Hai, Ha Long Ward). At that time, the Association faced difficulties because there was no operating fund, every time she organized a program, she had to mobilize each member. At the same time, Ha Long City launched the movement "For a green Ha Long, against plastic waste". Grasping that policy, Ms. Hue mobilized women to classify trash at home, collect recyclable trash to sell for fundraising money. This was both a way to overcome difficulties for the Association and contribute to protecting the urban environment.

Starting with only 15 participating households, the movement has now spread to more than 150 families. From seemingly discarded items such as cans, plastic bottles, cardboard, etc., members have collected, gathered and sold them to raise funds. In 6 years, the Association has raised over 152 million VND. Although this source of funding is not large, it brings practical value: Supporting members in difficulty, visiting the sick, organizing activities and collective activities. More importantly, the movement has aroused the spirit of thrift and awareness of environmental protection in the community.

Ms. Le Thi Minh Hue (left) representing the Women's Association of Zone 5, Hong Hai, presented funding to support housing construction for families in difficult circumstances.

From that foundation, many new approaches continue to be implemented, closely linked to the daily activities of members. "Women start by bringing baskets to the market instead of plastic bags, gradually forming the habit of sorting garbage at home. Thanks to that, the Association is both proactive in terms of funding and building a civilized, environmentally friendly lifestyle. Not only members, but also family members actively respond, together collecting each can and plastic bottle to contribute to the movement. That is the spread that I feel very precious" - Ms. Hue shared.

Not stopping there, Ms. Hue also advocated for the establishment of a "Recycled Broom Weaving Group". Plastic straps that tie bricks at construction sites, which are thought to be discarded, are woven by the skillful hands of women into durable brooms for daily use. From 2021 to now, the group has sold more than 500 brooms, both creating more funds and contributing to reducing plastic waste, keeping the neighborhood landscape cleaner and more beautiful. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong, a member of the Association, said: "Through participating in the activities, I see that Ms. Hue's close guidance and sense of responsibility have created a strong influence. The movement of collecting and recycling waste not only helps protect the environment but also raises funds for the Association to operate. These tasks, although small, have practical meaning for the community."

In recent years, from the funds collected from selling "recycled waste" and the Branch Fund, many meaningful activities have been carried out: Giving gifts to more than 160 members and children in difficult circumstances with a total amount of 85 million VND; giving gifts to 25 members aged 80 and over on the occasion of Lunar New Year; organizing for women in the executive committee and members to participate in tours and study experiences in localities in the province (once a year) with a budget of more than 50 million VND; at the same time giving 2 health insurance cards to 2 female group leaders without pensions...

These practical and meaningful activities have helped the Women's Union of Ward 5 to be among the leading groups in the emulation movement of the ward for many years. In 2024, Ms. Le Thi Minh Hue was honored to be awarded the title of "Outstanding Woman" by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union and was also awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee for her outstanding achievements in the movement "Studying and following Uncle Ho".

Ms. Hue’s story shows that simple and familiar daily activities can still create positive changes. With enthusiasm and perseverance, she has contributed to making the neighborhood greener and cleaner, arousing awareness of environmental protection in each person, not only bringing immediate benefits, but also sowing the seeds of long-term awareness of a green environment.

Hieu Tran

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/nguoi-phu-nu-lan-toa-loi-song-xanh-3377066.html