The Recycling Garden, nestled in Phuoc My Commune, is a 20-kilometer drive west from the heart of Quy Nhon, the provincial capital. This unique space is supervised by 63-year-old Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, head of the Nguyen Nga Disability Association. It serves as a creative hub for 20 members, aged 13 to 30, all with disabilities, who find purpose and community through their shared love for sewing, embroidery, and computer skills.
Nga, with a compassionate heart, created this garden to offer a sanctuary for people with disabilities to connect, engage in playful activities, and learn new skills. Her driving force was the desire to lighten the burdens and bring joy to the lives of those facing physical challenges.
“We noticed the nearby stream was polluted with litter,” Nga shared, “so my members and I decided to take action and find ways to recycle this waste, hoping to make a small difference in environmental protection.”
Nguyen Thi Thu, a vibrant 20-year-old member, describes their daily routine: “We divide tasks and navigate our wheelchairs to collect trash. People often approach us and offer rags, cardboard, and bottles, which we then repurpose into something beautiful and useful.”
The recycled products are a testament to their creativity and resourcefulness. Large fabric pieces are transformed into aprons or bags, while smaller, colorful scraps are crafted into unique patterns, ensuring each product is one-of-a-kind. Their passion extends beyond textiles, as they also create exquisite toy drum sets, musical instruments, and cars from discarded paper.
While not a typical tourist spot, the Recycling Garden welcomes visitors with open arms. People of all ages are inspired by the resilience and ingenuity of its members. Nguyen Thu Trang, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared her fascination: “I was captivated by the kitchen utensils—each piece had its unique charm. I had no idea they were made from discarded fabric scraps. It’s truly admirable.”
Tran Thu Ly, a local from Quy Nhon City, echoed similar sentiments: “This garden and its inhabitants are truly remarkable. Their contributions are not only meaningful but also aesthetically pleasing. It’s a place that leaves a lasting impression and inspires us to embrace a greener lifestyle.”
Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, in collaboration with the Vietnam Packaging Recycling Organization (PRO Vietnam) and other partners, has launched the ‘Green Regeneration’ contest as part of the Green Vietnam 2024 project. This initiative encourages individuals, community groups, and businesses to share their innovative practices, products, and ideas for recycling, reusing, and conserving water and energy.
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