Da Nang scales up plastic-waste-free schools

Initial success in reducing plastic waste at 17 kindergartens is the foundation for Da Nang to expand the model across all levels for greener schools.

On the morning of July 10, the Da Nang Union of Science and Technology Associations, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training and the Center for Adaptive Capacity Building (CAB), held a seminar to summarize the "Plastic-waste-free kindergarten" model.

The model is part of the "Promoting plastic reduction and participatory waste management" project, funded by Pacific Environment and implemented by the CAB Center since March 2026 at 17 preschools and kindergartens in Dien Ban, Dien Ban Dong, and Son Tra wards.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Quynh Dao, a representative of the CAB Center, after four months of implementation, the project has created positive changes not only in the amount of plastic waste reduced but also in the awareness, behavior, and organizational activities of the schools.

Many schools have proactively collaborated with suppliers to reduce packaging right from the input stage; made waste sorting a daily activity; adjusted milk and food quantities to suit children's needs; and utilized organic waste for bio-fertilizer or animal feed.

Notably, children are encouraged to become "little ambassadors", spreading the habit of limiting single-use plastics to their families. With raised awareness, children can identify environmentally unfriendly items, thereby reminding their parents to prioritize reusable products.

At the seminar, school representatives shared many practical solutions such as sorting waste at the source, collecting and recycling milk cartons, utilizing food waste as fertilizer for school grounds, and using by-products to produce biological dishwashing liquid. These activities both contribute to reducing waste discharged into the environment and create opportunities for children to directly practice a green lifestyle.

According to Ms. Dang Thi Cam Tu, Head of the Early Childhood Education Division at the Da Nang Department of Education and Training, despite being implemented for just over four months, the project has recorded many positive results. Participating schools have proactively developed plans suited to their actual conditions, implemented source waste sorting, limited plastic bags and single-use plastic products, and increased the use of eco-friendly items.

Through communication and visual education activities, the message of "Saying no to plastic waste" is gradually being spread to administrators, teachers, staff, parents, and preschool children. Specifically, children are guided to form the awareness and habit of environmental protection right from their early years. These changes within the schools are also progressively spreading to families and the community.

The Da Nang Department of Education and Training highly appreciates the sense of responsibility, proactiveness, and creativity of the 17 participating schools, while also acknowledging the coordination and support from the CAB Center and the sponsors.

In the coming time, the city's education sector will study the expansion of this model to early childhood education facilities across the city during the 2026-2027 school year with specific action plans, while continuing to coordinate the implementation of activities regarding environmental education, sustainable development, and climate change adaptation.

"The 'Plastic-waste-free kindergarten' project may come to an end in terms of time, but the values and experiences gathered will continue to spread. Da Nang is an environmental city, and today's preschoolers are the future green citizens of the city", Ms. Tu emphasized.

Ms. Quach Thi Xuan, Vietnam Country Director for Pacific Environment, stated that these positive results serve as the foundation for Da Nang to gradually scale up the plastic waste reduction model across all educational levels, moving towards a green, clean, safe, and friendly educational environment. It is expected that in the near future, the model will continue to be implemented at four secondary schools in An Hai ward.

Lan Anh