Kind to the environment

Image of young members of the group NO trash in Da Nang anymore picking up trash at Man Thai beach area. Photo: TY

Coming to Da Nang in 2023, Sasha started picking up trash on Man Thai beach alone in the late afternoons. Not long after, that spirit spread to international friends and local people, forming a volunteer group called NO trash in Da Nang anymore. From a few initial members, the group grew rapidly, attracting about 2,000 volunteers from many countries, joining hands to act for the environment.

The group regularly maintains trash collection activities every weekend at many public places such as Man Thai beach, Thuan Phuoc bridge, Han riverside or roads leading to Son Tra peninsula. Regardless of nationality, age or occupation, members collect tons of trash together, classify and recycle when possible. Among them, many young people from Da Nang join the group not only because of their love for the environment, but also because it is an opportunity to practice English and Russian communication skills, learn about culture and expand positive relationships.

The group’s unique feature is its friendly, open atmosphere, where members can converse in many languages to create a multicultural exchange space. Short conversations about nature, lifestyle and local experiences become a bridge to shorten the distance between people who share a common goal: to keep the city green - clean - beautiful.

For Sasha Shakhov, the love for Da Nang does not come from great things, but the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the sea and nature are the reasons why he wants to contribute something to the city. “If each person is willing to bend down, pick up a piece of trash that is not theirs, and preserve public places as if they were their own home, that is already a valuable contribution to society,” he shared.

It can be said that in an era where social networks allow people to easily connect through articles or images about green lifestyles, direct action will be what creates real effectiveness. Over the past two years, NO trash in Da Nang anymore has not made a loud appeal, but what they have left behind is cleaner beaches, more beautiful roads, and more importantly, bringing a positive perspective on civic responsibility in public spaces.

From the story of Sasha and the international volunteer group, it can be seen that protecting the environment is the responsibility and life choice of each individual. A small action, such as bending down to pick up a piece of trash, if done with awareness, voluntarily and maintained regularly, will become a culture, a beautiful lifestyle. The story of the NO trash in Da Nang anymore group also raises a question worth pondering: When a foreigner can love Da Nang so much that he chooses to pick up trash as part of his daily lifestyle, then why can't people who live and grow up here do the same?

Keeping the city clean is not just a slogan. It needs to be a habit, a civilized behavior in daily life. Above all, it is a way for each person to express their love for the place they belong to - not with words, but with concrete, persistent and kind actions.

SWALLOW

Source: https://baodanang.vn/channel/5433/202504/tu-te-voi-moi-truong-4005846/