The fifth run of the social event 'Doi Rac Lay Cay' (Exchange waste for plants), held on Sunday in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, offered plants and fresh veggies for any amount of plastic waste, used battery or discarded electronic parts donated to its ambitious upcycle plan. 

The event was organized in a joint effort between a charity group and a youth collective.

The charity group took care of event logistics, while the youth collective ran the key operation of the initiative: turning collected waste into eco-bricks, which will serve as materials for the construction of a new school for poor children in Cang Long District in the Mekong Delta’s Tra Vinh Province. 

After being sorted and cleaned, plastic bags will be stuffed into used plastic bottles, turning them into sturdy blocks ready to be used in construction. 

The event attracted kids and adults with its message. 

Showing up early in the morning with his brother and mother, eight-year-old Kien Thien brought in multiple bags of waste. 

“I love trees, so I will start collecting and cleaning plastic bottles for the next exchange event,” he said.

Thien’s mother, Thuy Linh, looked forward to the event as it helps raise their awareness that small acts can be made to protect the environment. 

Various other fundraising activities were also held at the event, including a flea market and traditional calligraphy exhibitions.

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