The Women’s Union (WU) of Quarter 2A, Cao Thang Ward is also among the pioneering groups actively participating in environmental activities and promoting a green lifestyle among residents across Ha Long City. After joining the training program “Enhancing Capacity for the Ha Long City Women’s Union in Developing Strategic Plans to Reduce Household Waste and Single Use Plastics,” the members have worked tirelessly to improve the plastic waste situation. Their efforts have helped keep the environment of Quarter 2A clean and civilized through the creative model “Turning Plastic into Flower Pots.”

Although many of the members are no longer young and their strength is limited, they continue to devote their time and effort to the shared vision of “Reducing Plastic Waste for a Greener Ha Long.”

The flower pots created through this initiative are shaped like cute and playful animals, carefully crafted with patience and skill by the women. Walking through the neighborhood feels almost like wandering through a small forest filled with colorful creatures.

“We feel very happy,” the women shared, “because the products we make can now be seen everywhere around the neighborhood.”
She added with a smile, “Let me share a little secret. Before planting the flowers in the pots we created, we also made our own fertilizer. We start by collecting organic waste such as fruit peels and vegetable scraps, mix them with soil, and then plant the seeds. This not only benefits our families but also brings value to the entire community.”

These small actions have created a powerful ripple effect. Across Ha Long City, 55,772 residents (76% of them women) are now practicing the 3R model (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). A total of 1,330 plastic containers have been reused as flower pots, 15,985 plastic bottles have been turned into eco bricks, and 3,000 plastic bottles have been used for community art installations. In addition, 55 tons of organic waste have been collected for composting, while another 25.5 tons have been used as organic fertilizer.

These figures clearly reflect the tireless dedication of the Women’s Union of Quarter 2A in particular and the Women’s Union across Ha Long City in general in spreading a greener lifestyle.

Through their participation, the women have also become more aware of how small daily actions can create significant environmental impacts. In the past, using plastic bags, plastic straws, or plastic bottles was almost automatic. But they have come to realize that single use plastics are extremely difficult to decompose and can cause long term harm to both the environment and future generations, as well as wildlife.

If this situation continues, plastic waste will accumulate and worsen environmental pollution. For this reason, the women have begun reducing their use of plastic bags, for example by bringing their own baskets when going to the market. Through these practical actions and community outreach, they hope to reduce plastic waste and ease the environmental burden placed on future generations.

“Plastic waste has almost disappeared from our daily lives,” one member shared, “from inside our homes to the streets around us. When the environment becomes cleaner and more beautiful, it gives us more positive energy and motivation to work and live happily. We can also enjoy peaceful moments breathing fresh and clean air.”

Because Ha Long is a tourist city, the women believe it is even more important to actively promote the message that this is a Green, Clean, and Beautiful environment that everyone has a responsibility to protect.

Participating in the training programs has given them even more passion and motivation to create their plastic animal flower pots, helping reduce plastic waste while beautifying their surroundings. Meaningful activities like these do not depend on age. From children to the elderly, everyone can join hands in building a healthier and more environmentally friendly lifestyle.