Vietnam steps up the fight against plastic pollution

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized that plastic pollution is no longer an isolated issue but a global crisis posing severe threats to ecosystems and human health. With approximately 430 million tonnes of plastic produced worldwide each year—most of it single-use—the mounting volume of plastic waste is polluting oceans and landscapes with devastating consequences.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh urged citizens, businesses, and government agencies to join forces in combating plastic pollution, emphasizing that no country can remain outside this global fight and that green action must reach every household, community, and economic sector

In Vietnam, an estimated 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, yet only about 27% is recycled. Recognizing the scale of the problem, Vietnam has taken proactive measures, from promoting global cooperation at forums such as the G7 Summit and the World Economic Forum, to issuing domestic policies including the 2020 Environmental Protection Law and the National Action Plan on marine plastic waste.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to reduce 75% of marine plastic waste, collect all lost or discarded fishing gear, eliminate direct dumping of gear into the sea, and ban single-use plastic products in coastal tourism areas. These bold commitments reflect the country’s determination to turn environmental challenges into drivers of circular economy development and green innovation.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh called on all citizens, businesses, and government bodies to unite in action, stressing that “no nation can stand outside the fight against plastic waste.” The spirit of green action must permeate every household, community, and economic sector to make meaningful change.

Quang Ninh leads the way towards a plastic-free province

As the host of this year’s event, Quang Ninh showcased its pioneering role in the anti-plastic movement. Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Nghiem Xuan Cuong noted that the province has issued comprehensive policy directives, recognizing environmental protection as the foundation of sustainable development. Localities across the province, especially the island district of Co To, have adopted their own resolutions and plans to address plastic waste.

The event featured exhibitions of recycled products, eco-friendly solutions, circular economy models, and a waste-for-cash initiative to raise awareness and promote community engagement through hands-on experiences

Initiatives such as “Plastic-free Ha Long Bay,” “Turn waste into money – Vrac Bank,” and community movements like “Green Saturdays,” “Green journeys,” and coastal clean-up campaigns have made a strong impact, reinforcing collective responsibility. Quang Ninh’s proactive and innovative efforts have made it a model in both marine and terrestrial environmental protection.

During the ceremony, symbolic gifts promoting green living were presented: life jackets for fishermen, reusable fabric bags for the Ha Long Bay management board, and glassware sets for tourist boats to replace single-use plastics. Though modest in scale, these gestures serve as powerful reminders of the province’s commitment to a clean, sustainable marine environment.

The event also featured side activities such as exhibitions of recycled products, eco-friendly solutions, circular economy models, and a unique waste-for-cash initiative—all designed to raise awareness and encourage community participation through hands-on experiences.

Promoting the circular economy and a greener lifestyle

A key highlight of the 2025 Month of Action for the environment is the campaign “Join hands to reduce plastic waste – Spread the green lifestyle,” spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The campaign promotes concrete actions such as “Plastic-free days,” waste separation and recycling at source, circular and ecological farming practices, recycling technologies, and the development of environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic.

The event in Quang Ninh marked the official launch of nationwide activities for the 2025 Month of Action for the Environment, highlighting Vietnam’s shift from awareness to action and laying the groundwork for a green economy and climate resilience

Showcased at the event were successful models that transform the plastic waste challenge into economic opportunities. These included recycled products linked to community livelihoods from Green Life Ha Long cooperative, and creative solutions by the Quang Ninh Women’s Union that demonstrated both environmental and economic benefits.

The campaign’s message goes beyond slogans, encouraging real, measurable actions that foster a sense of social responsibility and a collective ambition to build a sustainable, green future. Every individual—from fishermen and students to businesses—can contribute to the fight against plastic pollution through small but meaningful daily choices.

The Quang Ninh event marked the official launch of a nationwide series of activities under the 2025 Month of Action for the Environment. It signals a decisive shift from awareness to action, from policy statements to practical models. This momentum lays a critical foundation for Vietnam’s journey toward a green economy, sustainable development, and climate resilience.

Minh Thao