Focus on developing green consumption models

(ĐN)- In the current context, consumers are increasingly concerned about green consumption. Products that prioritize health protection, energy saving, and environmental sustainability are being widely chosen in shopping baskets.

Accordingly, consumers increasingly seek information about product safety, nutritional content, origin, quality certifications, green criteria, and sustainable production.

Consumers use eco-friendly bags at Co.opmart Dong Phu supermarket

Many activities encourage green consumption

Recently, retail channels and supermarkets in Dong Nai province have implemented various models and programs to promote green and sustainable consumption.

Mr. Vu Thanh Tan, representative of Central Retail Group in Vietnam, said that the GO! supermarket system nationwide, including GO! Dong Nai and GO! Tan Hiep, has been applying the business of vegetables wrapped in banana leaves, helping customers accompany the supermarket in environmental protection.

At the end of June and early July, the HCM city Union of Trading Cooperatives (Saigon Co.op) in general, and Co.opmart supermarkets in Dong Nai (including Co.opmart Bien Hoa, Co.opmart Dong Xoai, and Co.opmart Dong Phu) in particular, launched the environmental campaign themed “Vietnamese families – Green ambassadors.”

As of now, the group has worked with nearly 30 fresh food suppliers, including vegetables, tubers, and fruits, to replace plastic-based packaging with biodegradable nylon bags for product packaging. In addition, organic rice and coffee products sold at GO! have also received support from producers in switching packaging materials from hard-to-decompose plastic to paper.

Director Nguyen Quoc Minh of Co.opmart Dong Phu said that in the context of the growing green consumption trend, Co.opmart Dong Phu has clearly defined its role not only as a retailer, but also as a “green ambassador” contributing to the promotion of sustainable living within the community.

Co.opmart Dong Phu prioritizes the sale of “green – clean – sustainable” products. The supermarket is now expanding its range of environmentally friendly goods, including plates, bowls, cups, and utensils made from plant-based materials; biodegradable plastic bags, non-woven fabric bags, and reusable alternatives to traditional plastic bags; eco-friendly household and daily-use items, as well as products with eco-labels and recyclable packaging.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quoc Minh, Co.opmart Dong Phu has installed and is in the process of registering for rooftop solar power grid connection, gradually replacing conventional electricity sources with renewable green energy. This marks an important step in the roadmap toward carbon emission reduction and efficient energy use. The supermarket is also expanding activities that promote green and sustainable consumption, closely linked to environmental protection and waste sorting at source.

Stepping up communication to raise public awareness

Consumers, especially those living in urban areas, are increasingly paying attention to green consumption trends. However, in practice, the widespread adoption of such models remains a challenge.

Therefore, in order to replicate and enhance the effectiveness of green consumption models, a long-term roadmap is required, along with specific solutions tailored to each residential area. In particular, efforts must focus on raising awareness and changing consumer shopping habits.

The provincial People’s Committee has issued annual plans to implement programs on efficient energy use and sustainable production and consumption. In 2025, one of the plan’s key objectives is to promote production and consumption based on innovation, as well as to develop and expand sustainable production and consumption models. At the same time, the province aims to boost domestic production and consumption, encourage sustainable lifestyles, and move toward a circular economy, particularly within the local industrial sector.

Ms. Pham Thanh Thao, a resident of Tam Hiep ward, shared that she hopes green consumption will become a more widespread trend in people’s daily lives. She emphasized that when each individual and family becomes more aware of and actively practices green consumption, many aspects of life will see significant improvements.

“The first thing that comes to mind is health. When we choose environmentally friendly products with fewer harmful chemicals, such as organic vegetables, clean food, or items free from pollutants, we are certainly reducing the risk of illnesses linked to pollution and toxic substances. Our generation and the next will be able to grow up in a cleaner, healthier environment.” Thao confided.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh, a resident of Xuan Loc commune, shared that green consumption is not something far-fetched, it lies in everyday choices. To truly integrate green consumption into daily life, it is essential to raise public awareness and expand outreach activities and broad-based campaigns. Specifically, when shopping for food and household goods, people should prioritize clean food, locally grown and seasonal fruits and vegetables, to help minimize long-distance transportation and reduce carbon emissions.

“In addition, consumers should pay attention to choosing products with environmentally friendly packaging, biodegradable or recyclable materials, and minimize the use of plastic bags and foam boxes,” Mr. Quang Vinh added. He also emphasized that everyone should sort waste at the source, recycle whenever possible, and limit the use of single-use items. “For example, bring a cloth bag when going to the market, and use a personal water bottle instead of buying bottled water,” he suggested.

“We believe that when consumers change their behavior and businesses accompany this process, green consumption will not only be a trend but will become a new consumption culture that is positive, civilized, and sustainable. Co.opmart Dong Phu will strengthen communication to consumers about the trend of green and sustainable consumption.” Mr. Nguyen Quoc Minh added.

Reported by H.H