To celebrate World Environment Day (June 5) and the “Action Month for Environment”, on June 29, 2024, at 97 Vo Van Tan campus, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Open University organized a ceremony to sign a cooperation agreement and launch activities for collecting used batteries and processing plastic bottles and aluminum cans with Botol Vietnam Company Limited and Southern Battery Joint Stock Company (PINACO). Particularly, the "OU Chooses Green Living" event featured a space filled with greenery and various engaging activities, attracting the interest of over 400 Vietnamese and international students from Laos, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Overview of the event

International students at the event

Attending from Ho Chi Minh City Open University were Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, PhD, the President; Dr. Le Nguyen Quoc Khang, Vice President; along with leaders and staff from various university departments. Representing the companies were Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh, National Manager of Botol Vietnam Company Limited, and Mr. Dinh Van Lang, Head of Marketing at Southern Battery Joint Stock Company (PINACO).

Enhancing multilateral cooperation and community cohesion to fulfill sustainable commitments

In the academic year 2022-2023, the university collaborated with over 100 organizations and entities, implementing more than 160 community service and environmental protection programs and projects, such as beach clean-ups, Green Sundays, Volunteer Saturdays, and planting nearly 400 trees in Long Binh Tan and Can Gio, garnering enthusiastic participation from nearly 30,000 individuals.

Continuing the success of these activities, Ho Chi Minh City Open University held a ceremony to sign a cooperation agreement and launch activities for collecting used batteries and installing an automatic plastic bottle and aluminum can processor with Botol Vietnam Company Limited and Southern Battery Joint Stock Company (PINACO), promoting a circular economy model based on scientific and technological applications, resource optimization, waste reduction, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Signing cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City Open University and Botol Vietnam Company Limited and Southern Battery Joint Stock Company (PINACO)

The agreement includes:

• The installation of 02 reverse vending machines (RVMs) for collecting and processing used plastic bottles and aluminum cans at 97 Vo Van Tan, District 3, and at Nhon Duc, Nha Be campuses. These machines automatically sort, compress, and store used bottles and cans, preparing them for recycling processes to minimize plastic waste pollution and transform plastic waste into valuable recycled resources. More information on how to use the machines can be found here.

President of the university using the Botol automatic bottle and can collector.

• Implementing the PINACO used battery collection model within the university's campuses encourages students, staff, and workers to safely and effectively participate in battery collection and processing activities. Used batteries will be processed by Southern Battery Joint Stock Company according to established procedures.

PINACO model to collect used batteries

• Expanding career opportunities, internships, and practical experiences for students while enhancing coordination in organizing diverse programs and events to provide practical knowledge while still studying.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, President of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, expressed deep gratitude to the collaborating entities for their partnership and support over the years. With the goal of becoming a "Green University," the university not only focuses on academic training but also emphasizes environmental awareness and community service spirit among students. These are core values that the university believes will help students and learners become responsible citizens contributing positively to society.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha, President of the university, speaking at the signing ceremony.

Mr. Nguyen Phu Binh, National Manager of Botol Vietnam Company Limited, thanked the university for its support in deploying machines at various campuses and mentioned that partnering with Ho Chi Minh City Open University will further expand Botol's visibility in educational institutions.

Promoting environmental awareness and spreading a green lifestyle

The "OU Chooses Green Living" event aimed to educate and raise environmental protection awareness among generations of students, aiming for a "Zero Waste" university model.

Students performing check-ins and signing at the "OU Chooses Green Living" area. This practical action encourages individuals to commit to protecting a green, clean, and beautiful environment.

Sharing about the program, student Dang Phuong Nam, Head of the Organizing Committee for the Event Day, highlighted that the program's focal points included booths designed under the 5Rs model "Reduce - Reuse - Recycle - Reject - Rethink" to impart knowledge and effectively replicate this model. The goal is to spread the message that environmental protection is a community responsibility, and each individual can start with simple actions.

"Choose Green, Live Clean" booth showcases a variety of environmentally friendly organic products, such as personal water bottles, paper, wheat flour, iron straws, fabric tote bags, and paper pens..

In addition, at the Plastic Recycling Booths, Used Battery Detox Booths, and Plastic Sorting Booths, participants were encouraged to bring in recyclable items such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and used batteries to practice sustainable living by personally sorting, recycling, and processing waste according to the correct procedures.

100% of participants were encouraged to minimize single-use plastic and prioritize bringing personal items such as water bottles and environmentally friendly straws made from materials to receive free lemon tea at the Refuse Plastic Booth.

Refuse plastic booth.

Lastly, the Green Tree Planting Booth was a unique workshop where over 200 lotus trees were planted, with students joining hands to create green spaces and contribute to spreading sustainable values, promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

University staff, workers, and students participating in tree planting activities.

Looking towards the "Green University" model, Ho Chi Minh City Open University pledges to continue developing programs and projects, enhancing multilateral cooperation, connecting with international organizations and domestic partners to create innovative solutions and efficiently apply them to contribute to the sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Additionally, the university will train and develop a capable workforce with deep knowledge in sustainable development to meet societal needs and contribute to the comprehensive development of the country.