(VOVWORLD) - The Women’s Union of Ha Long city has organized projects called “Turn waste into money” and “Sort waste at home” to protect the environment and generate income for union members. Ms. Dao Thi Huyen, Chairwoman of Ha Trung ward’s Women’s Union, is a role model in saving the marine environment.
 Huyen’s office is decorated with recycled items. (Photo: VOV) |
Huyen’s workspace is decorated with flower vases, pen holders, and document holders, made from recycled materials. The recycling idea came from a member of the Women’s Union and was developed by Huyen and replicated throughout the area.
“Ha Trung ward used to be famous for reed weaving and woven products like toys and baskets. We have learned the weaving techniques, but use plastic instead of reeds to create products from recycled plastic,” said Huyen.
At first, the products looked very plain and unattractive. Huyen did a lot of research on the internet to figure out ways to improve the products’ appearance and make better use of recycled materials. Now 4 weaving groups have been set up to make products and train new weavers.
Collecting plastic waste has become a regular activity of the local Women’s Union members. Thousands of plastic shopping baskets and office items have been made from plastic waste, sold at One Commune One Product (OCOP) fairs in Quang Ninh province, and exported to other areas.
“We are happy about what we are doing. It protects the environment while generating income for local women,” said Hoang Thi Mung, a member of Ha Trung ward’s Women’s Union.
Huyen’s “Sort waste at home” model encourages people to recycle household waste into useful items.
“Ms. Huyen goes house to house to promote this model. The Women’s Union meets every month to discuss the recycling work. Waste is sorted into paper, plastic, and other materials by each household, simplifying the recycling work,” said Cao Thi Hoai Thanh of Ha Trung ward.