Expatriates in Vietnam, it’s time for some self-reflection. You’ve made this beautiful country your home, but are you doing your part to protect its environment? Are you an active participant in reducing pollution, or have you left it for someone else to deal with? Let’s explore ways we, as expats, can contribute to a greener Vietnam.
Vietnam is a popular destination for expats from all corners of the globe, with many choosing to settle in bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. However, when it comes to addressing pollution and environmental issues, the responsibility often falls solely on the shoulders of Vietnamese citizens. It’s time we, as expats, acknowledge our environmental impact and make conscious efforts to reduce it.
I, too, was once a passive observer, living comfortably in Ho Chi Minh City for over a decade. I embodied the typical expat lifestyle: living in an apartment close to the city center, relying on motorbikes and taxis for transportation, and enjoying the convenience of air-conditioning and garbage collection services without a second thought about my carbon footprint.
Admittedly, I wasn’t doing enough for the environment. Like many, I was enjoying the comforts of expat life without making sacrifices for the greater good. But then I decided to take a stand and make some changes. My first step was to ditch the air-conditioning and embrace the fan, a simple switch that significantly reduces electricity costs and our carbon footprint.
Let’s talk about garbage, a significant stressor on our local environment. We can minimize food waste, reuse packaging, and recycle materials to create a cleaner, healthier community. Before discarding old items, consider whether they can be reused or repurposed. A simple social media post can give your pre-loved items a second life and keep them out of landfills.
Transportation is another area where we can make a difference. While motorbikes are a common sight, it’s the cars, trucks, and large vehicles that have a more significant environmental impact. Opting for electric vehicles, public transportation, or even pedal power can have long-lasting benefits for our local environment.
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| A No. 65 bus traveling on Ham Nghi Street from Ton Duc Thang Street to Ben Thanh Market in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre |
Here’s an interesting fact: the oil used for car fuel is also used to produce plastic items like straws and cups, widely used in the service industry and food sector. Single-use plastic is a massive global issue, with plastic bottles taking over 100 years to decompose naturally. In our communities, we often see excessive use of disposable plastic for smoothies, coffee, street food, and desserts. But there’s good news: we can opt for reusable cups and containers, and many street food vendors are now happy to fill them, reducing our environmental impact.
Reusable utensils are also becoming more accessible in Vietnam, available at supermarkets and malls. Investing in these products is a small price to pay for the significant benefits they bring to our local communities and the Southeast Asian environment.
Global warming is a contentious topic, with some disputing its existence. However, it’s undeniable that human consumption and our daily habits have a massive impact on the planet’s weather and topography. Our personal choices and actions speak louder than any global debate.
While Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, may have been slower to adopt more environmentally friendly habits, progress is being made. Now is the time for the expat community to step up and play its part. So, what changes will you make? Will you walk or cycle to work, turn off the air-conditioning, invest in a reusable coffee cup, or dedicate time to cleaning up your community? Every small action adds up and makes a noticeable difference.
If each expat in Vietnam makes just one change, the collective impact will be significant. By leading by example and encouraging others to follow suit, we can share best practices and create a brighter, more sustainable future for our children.
A cleaner environment begins with you and me. I’ve made changes to my daily routine, from switching to a fan to recycling and reducing waste. I hope you’ll join me on this journey and share your plans to make a positive impact on Vietnam’s environment.
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