Vendors actively embrace eco-friendly practices by displaying and packaging goods using sustainable materials, while shoppers enthusiastically participate by utilizing reusable cloth baskets, creating a truly sustainable shopping experience.
At kiosk 146 of Han Market, trader Nguyen Thi Lan often uses paper bags instead of plastic bags when selling fruit to customers. Her customers use environmentally friendly cloth baskets instead of plastic baskets.
Shopper Duong Bao Ngan living in Nam Duong Ward of Hai Chau District, expressed a sense of satisfaction in supporting businesses that prioritize environmental sustainability. She shared that shopping at stalls that prominently display eco-labels gives her a sense of personal contribution to environmental protection, motivating her to actively support and encourage these eco-friendly practices.
Being a major tourist destination, Han Market in Da Nang City generates a considerable amount of waste, including a significant volume of non-biodegradable plastics, alongside the high volume of goods consumed by both tourists and locals.
According to a survey in 2021, the amount of solid waste emitted from Han Market is from 800-1,000kg per day, of which plastic waste accounts for 15.1 percent.
To cut down on waste, Nguyen Thu, Deputy Head of the Han Market Management Board, announced that starting in 2024, the market will expand eco-stalls and upgrade essential equipment for certified vendors. Improvements will include providing paper bags, storage boxes, cabinets, and shelves to reduce reliance on plastic bags and disposable plastics.
Additionally, the market will introduce initiatives encouraging traders, residents, and tourists to join plastic waste reduction training and participate in the Green Sunday event, where they can exchange gifts for eco-friendly actions.
According to Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Da Nang Nguyen Van Tru, plastic waste is a difficult problem to solve in environmental sanitation due to people's business and shopping habits, especially at traditional markets. Recognizing the importance of sustainable behavioral change, the unit has adopted a long-term strategy emphasizing gradual and consistent efforts to encourage environmentally conscious practices.
Alongside Han Market’s pilot program to reduce plastic waste, other major traditional markets are also being encouraged to adopt similar initiatives. At Dong Da Market in Hai Chau District, for example, traders and shoppers use standardized reusable bags. The broader strategy to minimize plastic waste in traditional markets aims to enhance Da Nang’s image, making it a cleaner and more attractive destination for tourists.
