Ha Long-based shop displays innovative solutions for plastic pollution reduction

A shop of the “Ending Plastic Pollution Innovation Challenge” (EPPIC) which displays innovative products and services aimed at reducing plastic pollution was opened in Ha Long city, northern Quang Ninh province, on January 7.

This activity looks to assist innovative solutions for environmental protection to be implemented in reality so as to improve local residents’ awareness and behaviours relevant to single-use plastic items.

The items on show, made from environmentally friendly materials, were among the winners of the EPPIC competition for the ASEAN region, which sought solutions to plastic pollution in Ha Long Bay of Vietnam and Samui Island of Thailand. This contest was organised by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands (VASI), with support from the Norwegian Government.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam, noted by taking joint actions through EPPIC activities, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries can have a chance to change and transform from one of the world’s biggest plastic polluters into a leading driving force for reform to combat plastic pollution and waste.

Luu Anh Duc, Deputy Director of the department for international cooperation at VASI, expressed his hope that the EPPIC shop will not only be a place for showcasing environmental protection products but also become a dynamic forum for the individuals, businesses, and organisations attentive to environmental issues, including plastic waste, thereby helping promote sustainable development.