As global warming and deforestation has caused an increase in awareness for the protection of the environment, some communities are joining the brigade on a local level. Hearing all of the hype about “going green” makes us all want to do something but what can one person really do? Cities in Vietnam joining a corporate partner seem to have the right strategy.
The Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam Environment Protection Agency and the local governments of Hai Noi, HCM City and Da Nang have partnered with Toyota and other non-profit community organizations to carry out the “Toyota Vietnam Go Green Program” which calls students, volunteers and other community members to join the efforts of saving energy and creating a more green Vietnam.
Toyota developed a website to support the initiative with interactive trivia, local event posts and forums allowing the public to get involved in the project. The campaign promotes awareness which in turn, leads to action. The message takes “going green” down to a basic level, encouraging community members to start with small habits such as turning off the faucet when not using it or making sure energy is not wasted in homes. In addition, “Go Green” will help the central Da Nang University to research and use biogas fuel for power generation at breeding farms in central provinces.
The campaign advertisements contain short messages, such as ‘Remember to Tighten Me’ (to be pasted on water taps), ‘Clean Before Using’ (to be pasted on microwave ovens and irons), and ‘Turn off the Screen When Not in Use’ (to be pasted on TV screens and computer monitors). These low-cost tactics are aimed to create new practices in the community, creating a more environmentally friendly Vietnam.
The campaign hosts events each weekend, calling to action local volunteers to get their hands dirty to help the environment. In local schools, “Go Green Clubs” and other after school activities support the project from a younger generation. Toyota is also funding local awards for “Green Ideas” and office initiatives that significantly reduce energy consumption.
The campaign is a three-year long program that reaches out to several communities in Vietnam. If only every community could organize an initiative like this? We can learn from this program that awareness and a small effort from individuals can make a huge difference. Find a corporate partner, gather up some volunteers and turn your community green!
