“CIVILIZED CONSUMPTION – REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE” CAMPAIGN

Plastic pollution on a global scale is currently causing serious consequences for the environment and marine life, as well as affecting many economic and social issues. It is estimated that 4.8 to 12.7 million tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year. Globally, 32% of packaging waste is leaking into the environment. The World Bank report shows that each year, about 3.9 million tons of PET, LDPE, HDPE and PP plastic are consumed in Vietnam. Of this, 1.28 million tons (33%) are recycled and up to 2.62 million tons of plastic are discarded, i.e. not recycled, resulting in a loss of 75% of the material value of the plastic, equivalent to from 2.2 – 2.9 billion USD per year. Compilation of data from a report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) shows global greenhouse gas emissions from the plastics industry (including raw material production, commodity production/processing and end-of-life waste management) is about 1,800 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2019, expected to increase by about 3.5% annually without effective control measures.
The peak year-end shopping occasions in Vietnam are a marathon for brands with a series of continuous events, starting from October to New Year, Lunar New Year and Valentine’s Day (2024). According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the amount of goods used during the New Year holidays often tends to increase by 15 – 30% compared to normal in recent years. This year, according to reports from major distribution units, the number is still increasing but may be lower than every year, about 7 – 15%.
The Alliance of Retailers to Reduce Plastic Bags (Alliance) with the participation of 16 retailers was established in 2021 within the framework of the Project “Initiative to establish a Supermarket Alliance to reduce the consumption of plastic bags”. disposable plastic in Vietnam” conducted by the Institute of Strategy, Policy on Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the European Union/Expertise France. The Alliance has conducted many activities to gradually change the behavior of consumers and retailers, promoting restrictions on the use of single-use plastic bags.
The campaign “Civilized consumption, reduce plastic waste” is expected to be held at AEON Vietnam – a member of the Alliance of Retailers to reduce plastic bags from January 24 to 25, 2024 to promote promote the Alliance’s efforts to reduce plastic bag consumption and contribute to the process of changing customer behavior to civilized, environmentally friendly consumption, especially before the Lunar New Year. The campaign will receive active participation and support from the International Organization for Conservation of Nature in Vietnam (WWF-Vietnam), Pacific Environment Vietnam and other partners.

Objectives:
– Activate plastic reduction practices of supermarkets/retailers in the Plastic Bag Reduction Retailers Alliance, as well as prevent plastic waste loss during the peak shopping season (Lunar New Year);
– Raise community awareness about the harmful effects of plastic waste on the environment and human health;
– Spread responsible awareness in using disposable plastic items to protect yourself, family, friends and society.