The “Lovers of Trash Association” in Điện Biên province, founded in 2017, consists of numerous youth members and local residents of Điện Biên Phủ city. Through activities like trash collection and waste sorting for recycling, the association aims to instill environmental awareness in the community and especially among young people. During their cleanup drives, members segregate inorganic waste from recyclable materials. Inorganic waste is collected at central points for proper disposal, while recyclable materials are sold to generate funds for the association’s activities.

Recently, the “Lovers of Trash Association,” in collaboration with the Youth Union and the Women’s Union of Thanh Luông commune (Điện Biên district), conducted a cleanup event at Hong Hin village. Ma Seo Chứ, head of the association, shared that they had planned the cleanup well in advance and worked closely with the local community and authorities to ensure the event was effective. The association has also worked with the management of war memorials and graveyards, as well as the A1 Hill and the Điện Biên Victory Monument, to collect waste. These efforts have received enthusiastic support from locals, tourists, and students.

“Green Sunday” is another ongoing initiative organized by local youth unions across the province. On these days, young people gather to clean up roads, canals, and residential areas. Seemingly simple activities like collecting trash, sorting waste, and recycling plastic bottles have a significant impact on reducing pollution and preserving the environment.

Nguyễn Anh Sơn, Secretary of the Youth Union in Thanh Luông commune, explained: “The Green Sunday program is held 1-2 times a month, and we combine this with the Women’s Union and the Lovers of Trash Association. I hope that by participating in these activities, our youth will become more responsible for maintaining a green living environment.”

Lường Thảo Nguyên from Ló village, Thanh Luông commune, also actively participates in these programs, such as “Volunteer Saturdays” and “Green Sundays,” focusing on trash collection, cleaning, and educating people on the importance of protecting the environment.

In the context of a global trend towards sustainable materials, bamboo - a plant deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture - is being recognized as an ideal green material for the future. Students at Nà Nhạn Secondary School in Điện Biên Phủ city have transformed bamboo into artistic representations of traditional Thái culture, such as the Thái woman in traditional dress, the ban flower, and the “piêu” scarf. This not only serves as an art activity but also offers practical lessons on environmental protection and preserving cultural heritage. Using bamboo instead of industrial materials allows students to better understand the importance of recycling, resource conservation, and choosing sustainable materials for their creative projects.

Trần Thị Minh Trường, a teacher at Nà Nhạn Secondary School, shared: “The idea of using bamboo to create eco-friendly products came from the students. We helped them refine the concept, and the students’ bamboo artwork won a creative competition in the city for environmental-friendly products, earning a consolation prize.”

Lường Thị Ngọc Diệp, a 9-grade student, explained the challenging process of selecting and preparing bamboo for art projects. “Choosing the right bamboo, handling it properly to prevent pests, and shaping it to create artwork were the hardest parts. But we’re excited because this project helps protect the environment and preserve our cultural heritage,” she added.

Environmental protection is not the responsibility of one person alone but a collective duty of the community. Small actions like trash collection, recycling, and daily practices of green living can create significant changes. Everyone plays a role in creating a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful environment.