Be kind to the environment.

"Bend down and pick up the trash" is the message that Sasha Shakhov, a Russian man and founder of the group NO trash in Da Nang anymore, wants to convey to the community. For him, this small action is a direct way to contribute to cleaning up the environment, and also a reminder of civic responsibility and true love for the place where they live.

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

Having arrived in Da Nang in 2023, Sasha began picking up trash alone on Man Thai beach in the late afternoons. Soon after, this spirit spread to international friends and locals, forming a volunteer group called NO trash in Da Nang anymore. From a few initial members, the group quickly grew, attracting around 2,000 volunteers from many countries, all working together for the environment.

The group regularly organizes litter cleanup activities every weekend at various public locations such as Man Thai beach, Thuan Phuoc bridge, along the Han River, and on the roads leading to Son Tra peninsula. Regardless of nationality, age, or occupation, members work together to collect tons of waste, sort it, and recycle it whenever possible. Among them, many young people in Da Nang join the group not only out of a love for the environment but also to improve their English and Russian communication skills, learn about different cultures, and expand their network of positive relationships.

What makes the group special is its friendly, open atmosphere, where members can converse with each other in multiple languages, creating a space for multicultural exchange. Short conversations about nature, lifestyles, and local experiences become a bridge, shortening the distance between people who share a common goal: keeping the city green, clean, and beautiful.

For Sasha Shakhov, his love for Da Nang doesn't stem from grand gestures; it's the friendliness of the people, the beauty of the sea, and nature that motivate him to contribute something to the city. "If each person simply bends down, picks up a piece of trash that isn't theirs, and keeps public spaces clean as if they were their own home, that would already be a valuable contribution to society," he shared.

It can be said that in an era where social media allows people to easily connect through posts and images about green living, direct action is what truly creates impact. For over two years, the "No Trash in Da Nang Anymore" campaign hasn't made a lot of noise, but what they've left behind is cleaner beaches, more beautiful streets, and, more importantly, a positive perspective on civic responsibility in public spaces.

From Sasha's story and the group of international volunteers, it's clear that protecting the environment is a responsibility and a life choice for each individual. A small act, like bending down to pick up a piece of trash, if done consciously, voluntarily, and consistently, will become a culture, a beautiful way of life. The story of the "NO trash in Da Nang anymore" group also raises a thought-provoking question: If a foreigner can love Da Nang so much that they choose to pick up trash as part of their daily life, why can't those living and growing up here do the same?

Keeping the city clean and beautiful is not just a slogan. It needs to be a habit, a civilized behavior in daily life. Above all, it's a way for each person to show love for the place they belong – not through words, but through concrete, persistent, and kind actions.

LITTLE SWALLOW

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