If our current plastic consumption habits are continued, the total amount of plastic waste generated by tourists in Vietnam could reach nearly 340,000 tons by 2030. An Airbus A380, one of the largest airplanes in the world, has a maximum takeoff weight of about 575 tons. This means that 340,000 tons of waste is equivalent to the weight of approximately 591 Airbus A380s. This highlights the alarming level of single-use waste disposal by tourists at tourist destinations - Source VnExpress.
Because of the difficult-to-decompose nature, plastic has extremely serious consequences:
- Species will ingest plastic debris, which can lead to their death or result in plastic entering the food chain of other organisms. Microplastics can harm human health.
- Moreover, species caught in nets, lines, and other types of waste also pose a significant danger to marine life and have been recorded in over 130 marine species.
- Accumulated waste obstructs maritime transport, causing ships, boats, and cargo to become damaged because of entanglement or collisions with marine debris.
To minimize single-use waste, Zeen shares some super cute tips as follows:
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Use fabric bags: Instead of plastic bags, bring along a fabric or reusable bag for your shopping. It's cute and protects the environment!
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Bring personal items: Use reusable utensils, straws, and toothbrushes, and toothpaste to avoid single-use plastic. They're compact and very convenient!
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Bring a reusable water bottle: Instead of purchasing bottled water, you can carry a personal water bottle and fill it up at clean water stations. It's both economical and environmentally friendly.
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Buy eco-friendly souvenirs: Avoid purchasing plastic products and prioritize items made from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. Gifts are cuter and more meaningful than ever!
UEHers, don't forget these super handy tips - use them and dispose of trash responsibly!
References:
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https://vnexpress.net/khach-du-lich-xa-ca-tram-nghin-tan-rac-thai-nhua-moi-nam-4571495.html
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https://vnexpress.net/may-bay-cho-khach-lon-nhat-the-gioi-trong-the-nao-4242861.html
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