Vietexplorer2024

The purchase of pre-owned items is a common practice in Norway, and it has been further encouraged by the Second-Hand Trade Act of 1999, which has played a significant role in reducing environmental impact by diverting used goods from landfills and into the retail market. Promoting Sustainability through Legal Reform Recognizing the need to adapt, Norway amended the Second-Hand Trade Act by relaxing certain regulations. This move aimed to boost the country’s circular economy and encourage entrepreneurship among its citizens. However, despite a subsequent amendment in 2015, the act faced criticism for creating obstacles for businesses dealing in second-hand goods, including clothing, furniture, electronics, and sports equipment. These concerns led to the most recent revisions of the act, which came into effect on July 1, 2024. The updates addressed the growing environmental challenges associated with textile production and consumption, as evidenced by the significant import of cloth...

Denmark’s Journey to Sustainability: A Model for the World Denmark embarked on its sustainable path in the 1970s during the global oil crisis, proving that economic growth need not come at the cost of increased energy consumption or emissions. Since 1990, the country has achieved impressive milestones. According to Danish Ambassador Nicolai Prytz, Denmark’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased by 75 percent, while energy use has dropped by 11 percent, CO2 emissions have fallen by 41 percent, and green careers have seen a significant spike of 31 percent. Wind power has been a key driver of Denmark’s success, with over 50 percent of its electricity generated from this renewable source. Vindeby, the world’s first offshore wind farm, constructed off the Danish coast in 1991, stands as a testament to this commitment. Additionally, Denmark has excelled in waste-to-energy initiatives, significantly reducing landfill usage and improving waste management. In 1992, the country implemen...

Amidst intense competition, with 90 nominations from 682 entries across 17 countries, Singapore’s triumphs at the ACES Awards 2024 underscore its rising influence as a powerhouse of corporate excellence and progressive business practices in Asia. Day 2 of the ACES Awards 2024 recognized 59 exceptional business leaders and enterprises, setting new standards in innovation, governance, and corporate responsibility. At the heart of these accolades are organizations that seamlessly integrate environmental responsibility and forward-thinking strategies into their core values. A prime example is CGS International Securities Pte. Ltd. (CGS International) , which operates in 15 countries and offers a diverse range of financial services, from equities trading to Shariah-compliant financing. Between 2018 and 2022, CGS International witnessed a remarkable 169% surge in net profits, driven by its careful market expansion, tailored client solutions, and robust CSR initiatives. The company...

  received sage advice from an inspiring individual.   “A net-zero emissions target has been set by Vietnam for 2050, but Miss Universe Vietnam 2017, H’Hen Nie, emphasized that this ambitious goal can only be achieved through collective effort.” Her words, spoken at a panel discussion during the Green Vietnam Festival, resonated with the audience and emphasized the importance of unity in tackling climate change. The festival, an initiative by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, in collaboration with Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam) and other partners, was a two-day event held on November 9 and 10 at the Youth Culture House in District 1. It created a platform for meaningful discussions on sustainable development and environmental protection. H’Hen Nie, a prominent voice at the festival, encouraged both businesses and citizens to embrace green lifestyles and practices. She highlighted the significance of individual actions, stating, “Only by working together c...

“The importance of proper waste separation cannot be overstated,” he emphasized, “when waste is effectively sorted, it can be transformed into valuable resources, giving new life to plastic bottles and reducing our environmental footprint.” Duy Tan Recycling, a veteran in the plastics industry with 37 years of experience, embarked on a new journey in 2021. They began exploring recycling technologies and established a state-of-the-art plastic recycling plant in Vietnam. Since its inception, the plant has made a significant impact. Hieu revealed that they have successfully collected and recycled an impressive 92,900 tonnes of plastic waste, which equates to a staggering 701 million bottles. Looking ahead, the plant has set its sights on producing 100,000 tonnes of plastic pellets annually by 2026, with a strategic focus on enhancing their efficiency in plastic waste recovery. Hieu proudly proclaimed, “Duy Tan Recycling is leading the charge in the circular economy revolution. We are ...

The VinFast EV manufacturing complex in Hai Phong, Vietnam, is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. VinFast, the automotive arm of Vingroup, was established with a vision beyond mere profit. Vingroup’s chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong, has affirmed that the creation of VinFast stemmed from a desire to contribute to society. This commitment to social impact is evident in VinFast’s dedication to a sustainable future. In 2022, VinFast made a bold pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 by signing The Climate Pledge. Additionally, they committed to the COP26 Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Declaration, promising 100% zero-emission vehicle sales in key markets by 2035. To fulfill these promises, VinFast took a transformative step away from internal combustion engines and became one of the first automotive manufacturers to embrace electric vehicles fully. This decision positioned VinFast at the forefront of the global clean energy transition. ...

Over the years, the Olympics have gained a reputation for monumental waste, with entire stadiums left to decay once the two-week sporting event concludes. However, Paris 2024 took a different approach, focusing on sustainability and reducing waste. Paris aimed to do things differently by utilizing temporary venues to minimize construction and encouraging suppliers to consider the “second life” of their equipment. This innovative mindset extended to even the most minor details, such as tennis balls and sand for beach volleyball. Georgina Grenon, the Paris 2024 sustainability director, shared their unique strategy in an interview with AFP. She explained that before ordering anything, they contemplated the post-Games purpose of each item. This approach is a first for a major global sports event, and even consultants hired by the team couldn’t find a similar precedent. The Paris Olympics involved 32 sports and approximately 10 million spectators. Grenon’s team created an inventory of ev...

Phu Quoc International Airport and the island’s many tourist attractions and accommodations are committed to sustainability, as evident in their choice of serving customers with paper cups, bamboo straws, and wooden spoons. Vasilenko Daria, a Russian tourist, recently experienced the beauty of Phu Quoc Island with her loved ones and was impressed by its eco-friendly initiatives. Phu Quoc’s pristine natural landscapes, white sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters create an idyllic setting. The island’s locals are renowned for their warm hospitality, further enhancing the visitor experience. Eco-consciousness is a priority for tourist sites and accommodations on the island, as they opt for paper cups and bamboo straws, reducing their environmental footprint. “Phu Quoc Island left a lasting impression on me,” expressed Daria, “as it demonstrates a clear commitment to environmental protection. The use of paper cups and bamboo straws for tourists is a commendable step.” Tran Quoc Chau...