The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations will distribute eco-friendly bags free of cost to 10,000 households in Hanoi through five major supermarkets, its Support Center for Climate Change announced June 18. The program aims to reduce the use of plastic bags, it said.
Eco-friendly bags are made from grass and jute cloth aim to protect environment, can be used for shopping, working and picnicking.
Hapro, Fivimart, Bai tho Rosa, Ha Noi Star, and Van Ho Shopping Center will distribute the eco-friendly bags made of grass and jute, which can be used for shopping and all other purposes.
The Center’s goal is to reduce the number of plastic bags, which now runs into millions daily, by 100,000 this year and 1 million a day by the end of 2011. Most plastic bags are non-biodegradable.
The program will be extended to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, and other cities and provinces in future According to the HCMC Waste Recycle Fund, city residents dump 50 tons of used plastic bags daily.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment said each Vietnamese family discards an average of one bag a day, or 365 days a year.
According to the HCMC Natural Resources and Environment Department, there should be a widespread campaign to help people kick their plastic shopping bag habit.