Building plastic-free schools

The workshop included participation of the schools across the city

The workshop aimed to introduce and guide schools in applying the ASEAN Eco-School Criteria to teaching, administration, and extracurricular activities. It also served as a platform for schools that have already implemented the model or received the ASEAN Eco-School Award to share practical experiences, helping teachers and school administrators better understand and flexibly apply the criteria to their specific contexts.

According to Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation (MAE), ASEAN is committed to an inclusive and sustainable future, under the motto “One Vision, One Identity, One Community” and the guiding principle “Towards a green and sustainable ASEAN future,” where everyone can enjoy the benefits of a healthy natural environment.

“Schools are not only places of academic learning but also where students learn how to live green. In Vietnam, I’m proud to see many schools leading the way in reducing plastic use, recycling waste, and creating nature-friendly learning environments. Hue City is a shining example in the plastic reduction movement,” Mr. Nguyen Do Anh Tuan emphasized.

Since 2022, the “Plastic Reduction School” model, funded by Norway through WWF-Vietnam, has been widely implemented in Hue City, attracting the participation of 180 schools with over 54,000 students. Of these, 83 schools were selected as pilot models, collecting nearly 30 tons of recyclable waste - including more than 5.5 tons of plastic - significantly reducing environmental waste while fostering green habits among the younger generation.

This practical foundation paves the way for Hue to expand the “ASEAN Eco-School – Plastic-Free School” model, aiming for comprehensive plastic reduction, enhancing environmental education, and reaffirming its role as a pioneer in sustainable development in central Vietnam.