Lanterns made out of coconut shells are the latest addition to eco-friendly products in Vietnam, as more and more parents want to have their children celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival the green way.

Mid-Autumn Festival is considered a special occasion for family reunions, where family members habitually get together, make offerings to their ancestors and delightedly enjoy mooncakes over fragrant tea while admiring the full moon.

Meanwhile, kids typically hang around with their well-lit lanterns, chanting traditional moon-welcoming songs, and playing traditional games.

While battery-powered lanterns made from plastic have been dominating the market for years, eco-friendly lanterns made from coconut shells have attracted environmentally conscious consumers for this year’s festival, celebrated today, September 13.

The plastic waste-free lanterns are coconut shells that have their tops cut off and their sides carved with different patterns.

The shells are not painted but coated with antibacterial coconut oil to create a smooth outer layer. A candle is placed inside the coconut shell, while a string is attached to its sides to make a strap.

Handmade coconut shell lanterns are available for purchase both online and offline, with prices ranging from VND45,000 (US$2) to VND70,000 ($3) apiece.

The products have won over customers for their simplicity, environmental friendliness and safety.

Trinh, who runs a shop selling this kind of lantern, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that she has been able to sell nearly 500 products in the past two weeks.

According to Trinh, the coconut shell lanterns can be reused for other purposes after Mid-Autumn Festival such as bed lamps and essential oil burners.

“You can remove the candle and use it as a tree pot or just an ornament,” she said.

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