World Environment Day 2025 (June 5), themed “Beat Plastic Pollution”, again highlights the global urgency of addressing the plastic waste crisis. This serious environmental challenge affects ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development.
This marks the second time in three years that the United Nations has chosen this theme, underscoring its top priority in transitioning to a circular economy, promoting innovation, and enhancing international cooperation to reduce global plastic pollution.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world produces around 430 million tons of plastic yearly, more than two-thirds single-use plastic. In Vietnam, plastic waste is estimated at 1.8 million tons annually, yet the recycling rate is only around 27%. Most of the remaining plastic is buried or incinerated, causing severe environmental pollution and negatively impacting biodiversity, marine ecosystems, and public health.
In response to the global call to action, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued Official Dispatch No. 2141/BNNMT-VP regarding the organization of meaningful activities to mark World Environment Day and the Month of Action for the Environment 2025. A nationwide campaign under the message “Join Hands to Reduce Plastic Waste - Spread a Green Lifestyle” has been launched to raise awareness and drive behavioral change in the community toward minimizing single-use plastics and protecting the environment.
Photo: Hoang Hien. Key activities include a national rally, community forums, “No Single-Use Plastic Day,” waste collection and sorting at the source, exhibitions of recycled products, and circular economy models. The “No Plastic” movement is being strongly promoted in schools, supermarkets, markets, government offices, and residential areas nationwide. Environmental cleanup campaigns are being launched simultaneously in urban and rural areas to collect, sort, and process plastic waste, contributing to a cleaner living environment.
In Hanoi, members of the Women’s Union teamed up with the Youth Union of Dai Kim Ward (Hoang Mai District) to clean playgrounds and gardens, creating a green, clean, and beautiful space for the community. This lively image has been widely replicated, attracting broad public participation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has also urged localities to intensify multimedia communication, innovate methods of policy dissemination on environmental protection, and promote business investment in modern recycling technologies and eco-friendly products. Policy communication is crucial for changing social behavior, improving law enforcement, and controlling pollution from plastic waste.
This year’s core message is: “Act Today, Live Green Tomorrow – Reduce Plastic, Protect Oceans, Secure the Future". The Ministry calls on every individual, organization, and business to become green warriors, contributing to a Vietnam free of plastic waste and protecting the environment and public health for future generations.
World Environment Day 2025 is not only a time to reflect on our shared responsibility, but also an opportunity for the entire society to take practical actions and spread awareness to protect our green planet—the place we live and strive for sustainable development.