Beat plastic pollution: Spreading a green life through practical actions

At the meeting in response to World Environment Day (June 5) and the National Action Month for the Environment 2025 held in Ha Long Bay, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized that plastic pollution is no longer a matter for any single nation, but a global threat that requires urgent and coordinated action.

Delivering remarks to delegates and attendees, Deputy Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, the People's Committee, local departments, and the people of the province for their full support in organizing the solemn ceremony at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

From international commitments to national action

With the theme "Beat Plastic Pollution", this year’s World Environment Day serves as a stern warning about one of the greatest environmental challenges of the 21st century.

Domestically, a series of robust policies have been introduced and implemented: the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the National Action Plan on Ocean Plastic Waste, which aims to reduce marine plastic waste by 75% by 2030; to completely eliminate the disposal of fishing gear into the sea; and to phase out single-use plastics in tourist facilities and marine protected areas.

Localities such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Binh Duong have launched notable initiatives, including “green wet markets,” “plastic waste-free cities,” and “waste sorting at source.” Many businesses are transitioning to biodegradable materials, adopting recyclable packaging, and implementing circular economy models in their production processes.

In Quang Ninh province, the programs “Plastic-free Ha Long Bay” and “Plastic-free Co To” have achieved over 98% conversion from styrofoam buoys to HDPE plastic buoys, making a significant contribution to protecting the marine ecosystem.

Launching a nationwide action program

Despite notable progress, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh candidly acknowledged that the fight against plastic waste still faces numerous challenges. While the legal framework has taken shape, enforcement remains limited. Waste segregation at source is not yet consistent, many businesses are hesitant to invest in technology due to high costs, and the habit of using single-use plastics remains widespread within communities.

According to the Deputy Minister, plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue but also a test of Vietnam’s adaptability in its transition toward a circular and knowledge-based economy. Advanced technology, innovation, and strong collaboration among the government, businesses, and citizens are the keys to Vietnam transforming challenges into momentum for sustainable development.

“We call on all levels of government, the business community, and every citizen to take action. Do not remain indifferent to plastic pollution. Let us proactively build a green lifestyle - for today’s environment and a sustainable future,” Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized in his concluding remarks.

The meeting in response to World Environment Day (June 5) and the 2025 Month of Action for the Environment is therefore not merely a call to action. It is a pivotal moment to turn awareness into concrete actions by every family, every community, and every organization, all working toward a cleaner, greener Vietnam that lives in greater harmony with nature.

To promote widespread participation across all social strata, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has officially launched the campaign “Joining Hands to Reduce Plastic Waste - Spreading a Green Lifestyle,” focusing on six key areas:

• Organizing “Single-Use Plastic-Free Days” at offices, schools, supermarkets, markets, and more.

• Initiating the movement for waste sorting at source, collection, and recycling of plastic waste in households, agencies, and businesses.

• Expanding models of ecological agriculture and circular agriculture, while limiting plastic use in production.

• Strengthening communication efforts, especially digital communication, to raise community awareness and encourage practical actions.

• Supporting research and application of plastic waste recycling technologies and production of environmentally friendly alternative materials.

• Timely recognition and rewards for outstanding individuals, organizations, and businesses in plastic pollution prevention efforts.

The meeting was convened in response to World Environment Day (June 5) and the launch of the 2025 Month of Action for the Environment was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, with Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper serving as the implementing unit.

This year’s event embraces the global theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, initiated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Program partners include: Petrolimex, PV GAS, Petrovietnam, TKV, Vinamilk, La Vie, VIMC, EVNGENCO1, URENCO, among others.