Urban life turns greener

In recent years, “green living” is steadily reshaping the daily routines of urban residents, particularly amid ongoing fluctuations in the global fuel market.

Electric bus route 607 (Bien Hoa Bus Station – new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station) is increasingly used for daily travel. Photo: Hai Quan.

Choosing a green lifestyle goes beyond environmental protection. It also promotes more economical consumption habits, prioritizes public transport and biofuels, and supports the national green transition roadmap.

Young people show growing interest in green transport

In response to government directives encouraging both citizens and businesses to prioritize electric vehicles, public transport and clean energy, noticeable changes have taken shape. This marks a strategic shift toward sustainable growth, helping reduce carbon emissions and build a greener urban ecosystem.

Recently, Nguyen Hong Han, a third-year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, has opted to rely on public buses combined with metro services to commute to campus, instead of using a motorbike as before. In addition, she occasionally travels by train from Bien Hoa Station to Sai Gon Station when heading to central urban areas to reduce travel costs.

Alongside greener mobility choices, environmental awareness among young people is increasingly reflected in daily consumption habits through waste minimization. Refusing plastic bags, carrying personal water bottles and using straws made from natural materials have become common practices in cafés and classrooms.

Han noted that such choices not only help save on personal expenses amid fuel price volatility but also allow her extra time to relax or prepare lessons while commuting.

Moreover, this lifestyle is fast becoming a trend and a new value among the younger generation. Many now favor electric bicycles, electric motorbikes and other low-emission transport options. The introduction of modern electric bus routes has quickly attracted young users, transforming public transport from a necessity into a more civilized travel experience.

Nguyen Dang Khoa, a student in Trang Dai ward, shared that beyond cost-saving benefits, young people are increasingly prioritizing low-emission vehicles such as electric motorbikes and electric bicycles to help protect the environment. “In my view, the introduction of modern electric bus routes is highly appropriate and has significantly changed outdated perceptions. Public transport has now become a convenient, civilized, and appealing mobility option for young people,” he said.

Gradually reshaping public habits and preferences

For green living to become a natural part of daily life, the “lever” role of the Government, local authorities and the business community is essential. Synchronized investment in green transport infrastructure, including metro lines, electric vehicle charging stations and incentives for biofuels, lays the groundwork for people to confidently change their habits.

When individual efforts are reinforced by practical and effective macro-level policies, the green transition will no longer be a difficult challenge but rather an inevitable pathway toward sustainable development.

In Dong Nai, a 58-kilometer electric bus route has been put into operation, connecting Bien Hoa Bus Station in Tran Bien ward with Nui Cui area in Thong Nhat commune. This route is expected to mark the beginning of a shift toward greener, more environmentally friendly transport. In parallel, since late March 2026, the electric bus route 607 (Bien Hoa Bus Station – new Mien Dong (Eastern) Bus Station in Ho Chi Minh City), operated by Phuong Trang FUTA Bus Lines Passenger Car Corporation (FUTA Bus Lines), has transitioned from diesel-powered buses to electric ones.

Thanh Giang, a resident of Tam Hiep ward, said he regularly combines bus and metro services to commute to his workplace in central Ho Chi Minh City. He added that the recent switch of Route 607 to electric buses has brought greater convenience. “The new buses are larger and can carry more passengers. They also operate more smoothly and are environmentally friendly. In my opinion, this model should be further expanded across the province,” he noted.

Beyond green transport, the trend toward safe and sustainable consumption is also gaining traction at supermarkets and shopping centers across Dong Nai. Consumers are paying greater attention to product safety, nutritional information, origin, quality certifications and sustainable production standards.

Nguyen Quoc Minh, Director of Co.opmart Dong Xoai Supermarket in Binh Phuoc ward, said the supermarket has stepped up the display and promotion of environmentally friendly products, including high-quality food and essential goods that are safe for consumers’ health. In addition, customers are encouraged to use eco-friendly and paper bags when shopping, while the retailer is working with partners and manufacturers, particularly private-label brands, to gradually adopt green packaging and the production of environmentally friendly products. According to Minh, green consumption trend has increasingly attracted customer interest in recent years.

By Hai Quan – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha