Hanoi (VNA) 𓆏- On July 3, retailers across the country join forces to encourage customers to avoid using plastic bags in stores, shopping malls, and supermarkets as part of a nationwide effort to reduce plastic waste.

In response to International Plastic Bag Free Day, Nguyen Trung Thang, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that on July 3, many retailers will actively discourage the use of plastic bags. This initiative will be supported by awareness campaigns highlighting the harmful effects of plastic waste. Speaking with VietnamPlus, Thang noted that the volume of plastic waste in provinces and cities has been increasing in recent years. This rise not only harms the environment and socio-economic development but also poses significant health risks to both organisms and humans. A recent survey by the Institute revealed that supermarkets alone generate about 104,000 single-use plastic bags daily, equivalent to 38 million bags annually. Of the 48 supermarkets surveyed, 46 provide free plastic bags, with each supermarket using an average of 1,454 bags per day. In response to this issue, many countries, including Vietnam, are committed to reducing plastic waste and single-use nylon bags. Notably, the project to strengthen plastic waste management aims for 100% of shopping centers and supermarkets to use environmentally friendly bags and packaging by 2025. To support this goal, in 2024, the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, the Dutch Embassy, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Vietnam, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), organised a ceremony to launch the Day of no plastic bags in Vietnam with the message “Less plastic bags, more life.” The program is being held at the facilities of members of the alliance of retailers committed to reducing single-use plastic bags, including LOTTE Mart, AEON Vietnam, TH True Mart, Big C Thang Long, MM Mega Market Vietnam Centers in Hanoi, and the Co-op Mart system in Phu Yen, Kien Giang, Quang Tri, Ha Tinh, and Hoa Tho Trade Centre in Da Nang. Nguyen Thi Dieu Thuy, Director of WWF Vietnam’s Plastic Waste Reduction Programme, emphasised that the growing involvement of supermarkets and retailers in Plastic Bag Free Day reflects their commitment to integrating plastic waste reduction and environmental protection into their sustainable business strategies.

Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar highlighted the significance of the programme, stating that even small actions can create substantial environmental changes. He underscored that every individual has the potential to contribute to reducing global plastic waste pollution and praised the participation of the retail sector and consumers in Vietnam’s Plastic Bag Free Day campaign. Jake Brunner, IUCN Country Representative noted that this is the second year that IUCN, through Vietnam Business for Environment Alliance, has participated in the Plastic Bag Free Day campaign in Vietnam, first held in 2023. He acknowledged that shifting consumer behavior to reduce plastic use is a long-term process requiring collective efforts from many stakeholders, with retailer involvement being crucial. He expressed satisfaction that this year’s campaign has seen increased participation from retailers compared to last year, with some even committing to implementing the initiative across their nationwide networks. Plastic waste on the seabed is predominantly concentrated around continents, with 46% of this waste found at depths greater than 200 meters and the remaining 54% at depths ranging from 200 to 11,000 meters./.