Written by Nguyễn Bảo Trân and Nguyễn Vũ Anh Thư
In the summer of 2024, 3SIP2C Project (Sources, Sinks, and Solution for Impacts of Plastics on Coastal Communities in Vietnam) participated in the International Exhibition of Energy and Environmental Technology. The exhibition included over 250 businesses from countries such as Vietnam, Korea, India, China, and Singapore, showcasing more than 400 booths featuring the latest energy-saving technologies. Among the major activities at the exhibition were the Vietnam Energy Transition Forum 2024 and the Vietnam-Korea-China Trade Forum. 3SIP2C opened a booth in the Recycled Area to raise awareness about plastic waste by displaying project products and introducing activities focused on plastic waste in the coastal areas of Vietnam.
The International Exhibition of Energy and Environmental Technology
And it is a pleasure for us – a group of 12th-grade students majoring in Geography, to be the project’s volunteers. The period of three days has helped us gain precious experiences and many valuable and practical lessons. Before embarking on the exhibition, we spent several days preparing the items representing our spirit and messages.
People discovered our booth
At first, we used leftover fabric to create coasters. Specifically, we utilized some discarded pieces of shirt fabric, then cut them out, braided them, and sewed them into circles around each other. Although this process took a lot of time and effort, it is a chance for some of us to learn new skills, such as sewing, knitting, and color combination, and most importantly, cultivate our persistence, meticulousness, and carefulness. Luckily, We have received positive feedback from numerous exhibitors regarding our recycled products.
Our coasters made from leftover fabric
Besides, the 3SIP2C Project also displays some captivating products and activities, including the board game set “Plastic Cat Ba” the set “The Nature Protector,” the Green Game Revolution, the “Floating Coconut” experiment, and the microscope activity. Among them, we developed the board game set “Plastic Cat Ba”, inspired by our visit to the Cat Ba Archipelago in April 2023. Via this colorful board game, we hope to assist people in learning about emission sources and accumulation points of plastic waste.
Our board game set “Plastic Cat Ba”
During the exhibition, we encountered several inspiring individuals and groups who were committed to recycling and environmental protection. In particular, we met a man made from recycled glass, a group that utilized tree-recycled materials, and a girl who incorporated recycled materials into her work.
Postcards made from recycled paper
Throughout the three days of the exhibition, we created many cherished memories. We laughed, cooperated with other booths, and exchanged thoughtful gifts. For instance, we gifted DIY drink coasters, and in return, the girl using recycled materials gifted us with gift cards that she had recycled from paint, paper, and other materials. Exploring the diverse booths felt like stepping into a whole new world. We were constantly amazed by the innovative products and ideas on display, such as a multifunctional safety tool and a machine capable of creating water-based tattoos. This experience not only broadened our horizons but also allowed us to enhance our communication, English, and teamwork skills.
We were introducing the foreign exhibitors about the project’s activities
We also had the opportunity to meet friendly individuals from various backgrounds. For example, a helpful Indian gentleman who worked for a Korean company assisted us with opening our booth, and a Korean woman bonded with us over playful interactions. These interactions made our time at the exhibition truly memorable, and nothing can replace those experiences.
Our lovely booth
Furthermore, the welcoming and generous atmosphere was evident in the abundance of gifts we received during the exhibition. Engaging in the International Exhibition of Energy and Environmental Tech exhibition was very beneficial because it enabled us to learn from Vietnamese and foreign experts, as well as enhance our environmental awareness. We, the 12th-grade Geography class of the High School for Social Sciences and Humanities, would like to express our sincere gratitude to the teachers and the 3SIP2C project for creating many practical opportunities for us, helping us to gain a greater understanding of the recycling of plastics in particular and sustainability in general!