June 3, 2026 | 16:24 GMT +7

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Wednesday- 16:24, 03/06/2026

Exchange waste for green plants to protect the environment

(VAN) To celebrate World Environment Day, Lao Cai residents are exchanging plastic waste and used books for green plants through a community recycling campaign.

On the morning of May 31, at Nhac Son Park, the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union, in coordination with Lao Cai Urban Environment Joint Stock Company, organized the programme “Welcome Summer 2026 and Respond to World Environment Day (June 5),” attracting the participation of a large number of youth union members, children and local residents.

The programme was organized to implement the action plan of the Standing Committee of the Lao Cai Provincial Youth Union for activities in response to World Environment Day, as well as the Lao Cai Ward People's Committee’s plan for managing and organizing summer activities for children and adolescents in 2026.

In response to World Environment Day (June 5), the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union launched a campaign allowing residents to exchange plastic waste and used books for green plants, attracting large numbers of young people, children and local residents. Photo: Bich Hop.

In response to World Environment Day (June 5), the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union launched a campaign allowing residents to exchange plastic waste and used books for green plants, attracting large numbers of young people, children and local residents. Photo: Bich Hop.

According to the Secretary of the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union, the 2026 summer campaign aims to modernize youth activities and accelerate digital transformation in youth union work and youth movements. Beyond providing meaningful summer activities, the programme also emphasizes social responsibility, environmental protection and community health.

At the event, the Organizing Committee officially launched the 2026 Summer Sports Campaign for youth union members and young people throughout the ward. Participants were encouraged to register for football, pickleball and chess tournaments, as well as the “Military Semester” summer camp. These activities are designed to promote physical fitness, life skills and mental well-being while ensuring a safe and healthy summer for young people.

Exchanging plastic waste for green plants, building community bookshelves for children, and launching an online running challenge were among the highlights of the World Environment Day 2026 programme organized by the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union. Photo: Bich Hop.

Exchanging plastic waste for green plants, building community bookshelves for children, and launching an online running challenge were among the highlights of the World Environment Day 2026 programme organized by the Lao Cai Ward Youth Union. Photo: Bich Hop.

As part of the programme, an environmental campaign carrying the message “Exchange Used Books and Plastic Waste for Green Plants and Organic Fertilizer” was also launched. The Organizing Committee called on youth union members, children and local residents to actively collect and sort plastic waste, scrap paper and used books at home, contributing to environmental protection and the promotion of a greener lifestyle.

Notably, the books collected through the campaign will be sorted and used to establish community bookshelves for children in disadvantaged areas of the ward. These bookshelves will support summer activities while fostering a culture of reading within the community.

 
With the message 'Turning Waste into Green Growth,' young people in Lao Cai Ward are helping promote environmental responsibility and a nature-friendly lifestyle. Photo: Bich Hop.

With the message “Turning Waste into Green Growth,” young people in Lao Cai Ward are helping promote environmental responsibility and a nature-friendly lifestyle. Photo: Bich Hop.

On this occasion, the Organizing Committee also officially launched the “Run Lao Cai” online running challenge through the website doanphuonglaocai.org. The challenge will run throughout the summer of 2026, encouraging youth and local residents to maintain regular exercise habits and adopt healthy, active lifestyles.

Immediately after the launch ceremony, many youth union members and residents scanned QR codes to register for the running challenge and enthusiastically participated in environmental and sports activities.

 
Youth Union members in Lao Cai Ward raise public awareness about the benefits of environmental protection. Photo: Bich Hop.

Youth Union members in Lao Cai Ward raise public awareness about the benefits of environmental protection. Photo: Bich Hop.

The programme, which allows participants to exchange plastic waste and used books for green plants, is a practical initiative aimed at raising public awareness of environmental protection, promoting sports participation and strengthening the pioneering role of young people in building a civilized, green, clean and beautiful urban community in Lao Cai Ward.

A local family exchanged recyclable waste for a variety of green plants to take home and grow during the 'Exchange Used Books and Plastic Waste for Green Plants' programme organized by Lao Cai Ward. Photo: Bich Hop.

A local family exchanged recyclable waste for a variety of green plants to take home and grow during the “Exchange Used Books and Plastic Waste for Green Plants” programme organized by Lao Cai Ward. Photo: Bich Hop.

Author: Bich Hop

Translated by Minh Hanh

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