Vinh Thuc aims to become a model “green island free of plastic waste”

With a clear, practical, and human-centered vision, Vinh Thuc commune is determined to build a model “Green island free of plastic waste.”

Formed through the merger of the former Vinh Thuc and Vinh Trung communes under the two-tier local government model, the new Vinh Thuc boasts a vast natural area, diverse terrain, a rich marine-island ecosystem, and pristine natural landscapes, making it ideally suited for eco-tourism and community-based cultural development.

From unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters to coastal mangroves and historical-cultural sites, Vinh Thuc Island holds all the conditions needed for sustainable and green socio-economic development. Local leaders have identified environmental protection, particularly reducing and eliminating plastic waste, as a critical solution to ensuring development stays on the right path.

According to Chairman of the Vinh Thuc Commune People’s Committee, Tran Ngoc Trung, both former communes had launched many practical initiatives to realize this green vision. The focus has been on raising public awareness, changing behaviors, and ensuring consistent grassroots-level implementation.

More than 450 “Green Sunday” clean-up events have been organized so far, drawing over 4,000 participants, mainly local residents, youth union members, women’s union members, and war veterans. These efforts have kept village roads, alleyways, beaches, neighborhoods, and public spaces clean and inviting.

100% of local households have signed a pledge not to litter, to dispose of waste at designated times and places, and to refrain from using single-use plastic bags. This foundational step is shaping a more environmentally conscious and sustainable lifestyle throughout the community.

The commune is also implementing the “Sort waste - Turn trash into cash” initiative, encouraging residents to sort waste at the source and compost organic matter into fertilizer. This model has been rolled out across all seven villages in Vinh Thuc and has proven effective both environmentally and economically for households.

Complementing these efforts are a variety of creative, community-led initiatives such as “5 No’s, 3 Clean’s,” “Clean house - Beautiful garden,” “Flower-lined roads,” and “Plastic-free residential areas.” These programs are transforming the commune into a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant rural space. Local waste collection teams have been established and are operating effectively in every village.

The success of the “Green Island” model lies in the strong engagement of the entire political system and community organizations. Groups like the Women’s Union, Youth Union, Farmers’ Association, and Veterans’ Association have organized meaningful campaigns including mobile awareness drives, training sessions, educational contests, and community-wide movements such as “Plastic-free households” and “Plastic-free communities.”

These groups have also led shoreline cleanups, tree planting, drainage clearing, and turned vacant land into flower gardens and vegetable patches, fostering a lifestyle in harmony with nature that spreads from neighborhood to neighborhood, home to home.

In addition to behavior change and community engagement, the commune is investing in waste collection and treatment infrastructure. Three temporary waste collection points have been established, with over 80% of solid waste now regularly collected and treated. Plans are also underway to build a small-scale incinerator to process waste on-site, minimizing both transportation costs and environmental impact.

With determination, creativity, and united community efforts, Vinh Thuc is steadily turning its vision of a clean, green, plastic-free island into a vibrant, sustainable reality.