Cu Lao Xanh converts to plastic waste free island

Cu Lao Xanh (Green) Island in Binh Dinh Province has become a plastic waste free island following an environmental protection campaign run by local youths.

A kid in Cu Lao Xanh joyfully shows eco-friendly gifts received in exchange for plastic waste. (Photo: NDO/Ngoc Vy)
A kid in Cu Lao Xanh joyfully shows eco-friendly gifts received in exchange for plastic waste. (Photo: NDO/Ngoc Vy)

In response to the "Clean up the world” campaign and the "Anti plastic waste" movement, on September 27, at Cu Lao Xanh Island in Nhon Ly Commune, offshore from Quy Nhon City, the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee coordinated with the Binh Dinh Provincial Youth Union to announce the model on building Cu Lao Xanh into a "Youth island without plastic waste".

The model will be deployed for three months, focusing on activities on providing information about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health; calling for joint efforts in protecting the environment; and changing behaviours and habits of using disposable plastic products to help to reduce plastic waste.

The local mobile youth team for environmental protection in Cu Lao Xanh will play a key role in implementing the model. Twice a week, the team will organise communications activities and inspections to remind islanders to dispose of trash at the correct places, while limiting the use of disposable plastic. They will also provide guidance on waste classification, conduct sea cleaning and organise other environmental protection activities on the island.

Youth Union members skilfully paint murals to convey the message of environmental protection on the island. (Photo: NDO/Ngoc Vy)

After the launch, hundreds of local youngsters gathered to collect waste at the seaside, organised the exchange of plastic waste for gifts and joined in painting images to convey the message of environmental protection. They also placed environmentally friendly recycling trash bins and set up the "Fish eating trash" collection model, as well as planting trees and giving medical examination and medicine and gifts to 200 local people.

In addition, the organisers also awarded thousands of animals, farming materials and tools to local youth, along with 20 gifts to disadvantaged students and national flags to fishermen on the island, with a total value of nearly VND160 million.

On the same day, in Nhon Ly Commune (Quy Nhon City), various environmental protection activities took place, including collecting waste on local beaches, planting trees, placing eco-friendly recycling bins and installing the "Fish eating trash" garbage collecting model, at a total value of nearly VND60 million.