Green value system handbook: Towards green lifestyle

On May 12, Nha Trang City People's Committee approved a Green Value System Handbook jointly developed by VinUni University and the city's professional agencies, aiming to promote a green lifestyle in urban communities.

Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Van Thang Ward (now Van Thanh Ward) collects waste paper.

Simple to learn, easy to remember and follow

With clear illustrations and concise guidance, the Green Value System handbook provides practical instructions for sustainable living, including reducing solid waste pollution, promoting efficient use of kitchens and bathrooms, optimizing energy use, encouraging sustainable transportation, and fostering green office practices. The instructions are designed to be simple, clear, and practical, making it easy to remember and follow such as how to use the kitchen and restroom properly and efficiently, etc.

According to Ho Thi Hai, Chief of the City's Department of Agriculture and Environment, on March 27, 2024, the Provincial People's Committee approved the Green Transformation and Green Growth Project of Nha Trang City, period 2024 - 2030, with 51 targets and 52 projects towards a green, civilized, modern, and sustainably developed urban area.

Along with the handbook, VinUni University and the City People's Committee have also piloted the Green Lifestyle Virtual Assistant available to answer questions and guidance on adopting environmentally friendly practices. According to Truong Thi Loan, Head of the Fatherland Front Committee of Group 1 Phuoc Trung (Phuoc Long Ward), local women have promoted environmental sanitation, waste classification, health protection, energy saving, etc. The handbook will serve as a valuable tool in supporting these awareness efforts.

Phuoc Long Ward Farmers' Association collects used batteries.

Promoting propaganda

Before the green value system handbook was issued, the city had implemented various models and activities to preserve the environment. Since September 2022, the "collection cabinet for use batteries" by Phuoc Long Ward Farmers' Association has collected nearly 200kg of used batteries, contributing to spreading the message "Collect old batteries – Live a green life".

The model has been expanded in Tan Lap Ward (now Tan Tien Ward), Van Thanh Ward (now Van Thang Ward), Vinh Thanh Commune and so on. Waste collection models such as "Small Home - Million Hearts", "Green action, Clean streets, Plastic waste exchange for gifts" in the city have proved effective and supported by many local people. Self-managed bright, green, clean and beautiful roads have been maintained, contributing to the city's ongoing "greening" efforts.

By the end of 2024, Nha Trang City Public Service Management Board and Nha Trang Urban Environment Joint Stock Company will coordinate to collect recyclable domestic solid waste at official buildings every Tuesday morning.

Recently, in order to improve local people’s well-being, the city coordinated with Khanh Hoa Telecommunications to pilot the app "Nha Trang: Walking in exchange for gifts" for officials, Trade Union members and young people; coordinated with GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company to implement the program "Green Wednesday", reducing 15% (or VND30,000) of the fare for SM Green electric taxis in the city every Wednesday to encourage the use of green public transport.

According to Ho Thi Hai, the Green Values Handbook and the Virtual Assistant help individuals to better understand the significance of preserving and restoring the natural environment. They provide practical guidance for adopting positive changes, fostering an eco-friendly lifestyle, promoting sustainable consumption, and enhancing environmental protection.

By inspiring creativity and encouraging proactive "green living," these resources help make sustainability a standard in both daily life and work, contributing to the widespread adoption of green values. The proposals in the handbook are compiled from domestic and foreign projects to raise public awareness and promote carbon emission reduction.

The city leaders have directed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to preside over and coordinate the dissemination of the handbook and the Virtual Assistant app in many ways such as organizing green living contests; transforming waste collection sites into clean, green spaces; implementing programs where plastic waste can be exchanged for gifts, etc.

The Office of Culture, Science and Information is working with experts from VinUni University, the Office of the city People's Council and the People's Committee to soon integrate the Virtual Assistant for green living on the city's portal, according to Vo Cong Hieu, Deputy Chief of the Office of Culture, Science and Information.

T.M

Translated by N.T