In the mountainous province of Son La, the "Green House for Charity Fundraising" model implemented by women's associations at all levels has attracted a large number of female members and local people to participate. This is not only a place to collect plastic waste, but the money earned from selling recycled materials at the "Green House" is also used to raise funds for charity, helping members and people in difficult circumstances in the area.
For nearly two years now, it has become a habit for many residents, including women in Group 4, Quyet Thang Ward, Son La City, to bring their collected and sorted recyclable plastic waste and scrap materials to the "Green House for Charity Fundraising" of the women's association in the group on the last Sunday of each month.
Mr. Hoang Minh Viet, a resident of Group 4, shared: "Aware of the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment, and seeing the women's activity of collecting plastic waste to raise funds for charity to help the poor, I and everyone else find it very meaningful and actively participate."
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The "Green House" charity fundraising center of the Women's Union at all levels in Son La province serves as a collection point for plastic waste and recyclable scrap materials.
According to Ms. Pham Thi Thinh, head of the women's association in Group 4, Quyet Thang Ward, Son La City: The "Green House for Charity Fundraising" initiative by the women's association was launched at the end of 2022, utilizing corrugated iron and steel to construct mobile houses where women and residents can store and collect plastic waste. Regularly, on the last Sunday of each month, the women gather at the "Green House for Charity Fundraising" to sort the waste for resale. To date, the "Green House" model has collected approximately 10 tons of plastic waste, raising nearly 10 million VND in funds.
"We strive to maintain, improve, and encourage more women to join hands in implementing the plastic waste collection model more effectively. The goal is to preserve a green, clean, and beautiful environment and help those in need," added Ms. Thinh.
From 10 pilot models of "Green House for Charity Fundraising" with nearly 400 female members, the Women's Union at all levels in Son La province has now expanded the model to 68 more locations in 12 districts and cities, with over 2,700 members actively participating. On average, each month, these models collect and sort a large amount of plastic waste and other recyclable materials. Each model earns between 300,000 and 500,000 VND from this activity.
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Every month, the women organize a plastic waste sorting activity and sell the recycled materials to raise funds for charity.
Ms. Vi Thi Binh, Vice President of the Son La Provincial Women's Union, said: “The Provincial Women's Union will continue to raise awareness among its members and the people throughout the province about effectively preventing plastic waste pollution. We will replicate successful model projects. We will promote the benefits of green homes and encourage districts and cities to adopt them in their localities.”
According to statistics from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Son La province, the total amount of plastic waste generated in the area averages over 10,630 tons per year. Of this, the amount of plastic waste collected is estimated at nearly 8,400 tons/year, with the remainder remaining uncollected. Along with the "Green House for Charity Fundraising" model, the province also has many other models initiated by youth union members such as: "Exchanging paper, plastic, and cans for green plants," "Reducing plastic waste in local markets," and "Inventing toys and souvenirs from plastic cans and bottles"...
Many agencies, units, and businesses in the province have switched from using plastic bottled water to using glass bottles, paper water bottles, and other environmentally friendly materials; they no longer use plastic cups and straws, and minimize the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags.
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Through the "Green House" model, a large amount of plastic waste is collected, sorted, and sold as scrap each month by women in the mountainous region of Son La to raise funds for charity.
Mr. Thieu Quang Phi Hung, Deputy Head of the Environmental Management Department, Son La Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, said: “The implementation of these models has also contributed to promoting and raising awareness about preventing plastic waste pollution and saying no to single-use plastic products. These activities also contribute to forming a habit of collecting, sorting, reusing, and recycling daily household plastic waste among people, organizations, and individuals.”
Plastic waste that is not collected and processed properly will pollute the environment and have a significant impact on human health. This is because each type of plastic waste takes a different amount of time to decompose, ranging from decades to centuries, and some even thousands of years. Each citizen, through their "small actions with big impact," can contribute to the collective effort to prevent plastic waste pollution, for a greener environment and a greener life.
Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy/VOV Northwest