Faced with ever-growing volumes of waste, deeply ingrained habits and changes that are not immediately visible, people may find themselves wondering whether their efforts can truly make a difference. Yet it was from these very doubts that Mr. Hưng’s persistent journey with the zero-waste tourism model began.

Mr. Hưng was driven not by a campaign or a passing trend, but by his growing concern as he watched more and more waste accumulate along the beaches and in the fishing villages of his hometown. In 2023, he partnered with GreenHub to pilot the “Zero-Waste Accommodation” model, beginning with small changes at his own homestay: reducing single-use plastics, setting up separate bins for waste sorting and turning organic waste into compost for plants.

The hardest part, however, was never changing how the accommodation operated. It was changing guests’ habits.

“There were times when I wondered whether what I was doing would really make any difference. I was trying to reduce plastic use and encourage guests to do the same, but their reactions were not always positive. At times, that was disheartening,” Mr. Hưng shared. “But then I reminded myself that if I kept going and did the best I could, the results would come, even if they were not immediately visible.”

During those moments of doubt, he often likened his journey to the butterfly effect, believing that even the smallest action can set much greater changes in motion over time. For him, every plastic bag refused, every plastic bottle replaced, every guest who understands why waste needs to be sorted, and every accommodation provider that chooses to change its operations to reduce waste can become a starting point for change. That belief has kept him going, even when positive results were not immediately visible.

When asked what had sustained his commitment to the zero-waste tourism model for nearly three years, Mr. Hưng said: “What has kept me going is simple: this is the place where I live. If I do not protect it, who will?”

He believes that this conviction has motivated him to continue making small changes every day. After nearly three years, those small “wingbeats” have gradually begun to set positive change in motion. More and more guests are no longer surprised when the homestay encourages them to avoid single-use plastics. Some even take the initiative to learn about and support the model. Local residents, too, have begun composting organic waste for their plants, creating tangible benefits in their everyday lives.

Mr. Hưng’s story is more than the story of one individual. It is a testament to how significant change often begins with very small steps. No one can transform an entire destination through their efforts alone. Yet a greener Phú Yên will never be possible unless someone is willing to take the first step. Every accommodation provider that eliminates a single-use plastic item, every traveller who carries a reusable water bottle, and every resident who continues to sort waste and find ways to reuse materials is adding another piece to the bigger picture.

As more and more people come to share the same belief, these seemingly small actions can gradually create meaningful change, helping build a cleaner and greener Phú Yên not only for today, but also for generations to come.

If your accommodation business is also working toward more sustainable operations and waste reduction, register to be featured in the “Green Destinations” section of the Đắk Lắk–Phú Yên Digital Guidebook App. Share your positive practices, connect with travellers who value responsible tourism, and join GreenHub and Thổ Địa Phú Yên in multiplying these small “wingbeats” for a greener destination.