On World Environment Day June 5: Fight plastic pollution

Waste classification and treatment at Dong Nam Waste Treatment Plant ( Thanh Hoa City) during the trial run.

This is the second time in less than 5 years that the topic of plastic waste pollution has been selected and launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This clearly demonstrates the global priority in controlling plastic pollution, towards a circular economy and sustainable development. According to UNEP's assessment, environmental pollution from plastic waste is becoming the most urgent problem facing countries around the world. Every year, the world discharges about 300 million tons of plastic waste, of which about 13 million tons are dumped into the ocean. It is estimated that at the current rate of plastic use, tens of billions of tons of plastic will be produced by 2050, and some of it will end up in the oceans, where it will remain for centuries. With its natural sustainability, plastic waste (plastic bottles, nylon bags, food containers, cups...) along with other environmental pollutants have been negatively affecting the socio-economy and human health, becoming a major challenge for the environment.

In recent years, Vietnam has been implementing many mechanisms, policies and projects to reduce plastic waste, protect the environment; limit the use of disposable plastic products and hard-to-decompose nylon bags; encourage the production of environmentally friendly products to replace traditional plastic products. However, the convenience of plastic products has created a habit that is difficult for consumers to give up. According to statistics from the functional sector, on average, each year the country discharges about 1.8 million tons of plastic waste into the environment, most of which are nylon bags. Of the 1.8 million tons of plastic waste, only about 27% is recycled, the rest is buried or burned, causing waste of resources and posing many potential environmental risks.

Based on the above reality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has called on local Party committees and authorities, socio-political organizations and unions, and each citizen to actively respond to anti-plastic pollution activities such as: strongly conveying the message of building a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with nature; rationally using natural resources; controlling and solving plastic waste pollution through policies, initiatives and participating in global and regional cooperation mechanisms; increasing recycling and reuse; promoting the construction of a green economy, circular economy and sustainable development...

In Thanh Hoa, in order to limit the use of plastic products, in recent years, the authorities in the province have proactively coordinated with relevant departments and branches to organize propaganda to the people about the harmful effects of the habit of using plastic bags and disposable plastic products. At the same time, implementing many specific solutions such as classifying plastic waste; calling on units and businesses managing and exploiting markets, supermarkets, shopping centers, and convenience stores in the province to join hands to reduce the use and gradually not use plastic bags and plastic bags to hold goods for customers. Launching the movement "Join hands to repel pollution caused by plastic waste". Support women's associations to establish clubs and models such as: "From collecting scrap to millions of gifts", "Exchanging trash for trees", "Going to the market without plastic bags", "Recycling house"... These models not only contribute to reducing pollution but also connect the community, building a civilized and modern lifestyle.

In practical response to this year's World Environment Day, the Provincial People's Committee has issued an action plan with many important contents and tasks assigned to sectors, units and localities for implementation, such as: organizing propaganda and education activities, raising awareness for all levels, departments, sectors, organizations and people of all walks of life about the importance of environmental protection, the harmful effects of plastic pollution and nylon bags on life. Recently, at the rally in response to the Month of Action for the Environment and World Environment Day 2025 organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union in coordination with the Thanh Hoa Provincial Women's Union, representatives of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union and the leaders of Thanh Hoa Province sent many meaningful messages to the Party Committee, authorities and people of all walks of life to spread good actions on environmental protection and combating plastic waste. At the same time, it demonstrates a spirit of drastic direction and synchronous solutions to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling and use environmentally friendly products.

Every year, World Environment Day has a different theme, such as: "Air pollution and our actions", "Living in harmony with nature", "Soil restoration, fighting drought and desertification"... With the theme "Fighting plastic pollution", this year's World Environment Day is not only an opportunity for us to participate in environmental protection activities, but also an opportunity to further raise awareness among all classes of people about the importance of environmental protection. More than ever, let's speak up for the environment, recognize the challenges we are facing. Thereby, raising the spirit, responsibility and through small daily actions such as: classifying and treating organic waste at the place of origin, limiting the use of disposable plastic products and hard-to-decompose nylon bags, towards sustainable development.

Article and photos: Phong Sac

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhan-ngay-moi-truong-the-gioi-5-6-chong-o-nhiem-nhua-250918.htm