Today – 27 September 2018 – the nationwide initiative “ReThink Plastic Vietnam” was launched under the supervision of government officials, community leaders and multinational corporations such as Heineken, Philips and Louis Dreyfus Company.
ReThink Plastic Vietnam is an initiative that inspires businesses, governments and communities to take action together and solve the global issue of plastic pollution. “Only by joining forces we can tackle this global threat that affects us all”, says founder Madeleine van Hasselt.
Hugo Luik, Country Manager Philips Vietnam underlines this vision: “At Philips, we fully embrace sustainability because of the benefits for societies, and because we believe that it is a driver for economic growth. That’s why we have sustainability incorporated in our company strategy. As part of society, all of us – including companies – have an obligation to contribute to the positive state of the world including Vietnam! Philips Vietnam is a proud sponsor of the event and ambassador of the circular economy concept and actively contributes to initiatives that make the world a cleaner, sustainable and healthier place.” We can all be part of the solution by taking action in our homes, companies and communities. By joining forces, every small action can have a major impact.
Hidde Eikelboom, CEO Louis Dreyfus Company Vietnam feels very strongly about this: “As a company committed to sustainable business operations, LDC is delighted to support Rethink Plastic, a meaningful initiative which challenges all of us to consider how we as individuals, organizations and a society can play a greater role in reducing our environmental impact and protecting the earth in order to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. We encourage everyone to actively join us in this participation and look forward to the difference we can make when we come together”.
When we proclaimed the month of September “Plastic Awareness Month”, we were overwhelmed by the reactions. We started out as a small community initiative, but soon companies and governments got involved. Our first events, the online Plastic Diet, World Clean Up Day 2018 and school visits drew over 900 participants, online we reach more than 35,000 people and our business seminar that starts today is sold out. More than 100 influential leaders are attending today. We are humbled and overwhelmed by the success and believe that there is enough support in Vietnam for the launch of the ReThink Plastic Vietnam community.
The Business Seminar ReThink Plastic Vietnam aims to update you on the latest developments in plastic with our guest speakers Dr. Carel Richter, Consul-General of the Netherlands in HCMC, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh My, Deputy Director DONRE, Dr. Emily Strady, researcher of the Saigon river case study and award winning film director Craig Leeson. It inspires you by pitching innovative solution from startup companies Upp!CyclingPlastic, WAVE, IMPACT Vietnam and Reform. And it stimulates you to take action during the working groups about raising awareness in the community, education, plastic reduction in your production process, in-company campaigns and sustainable tourism.
The launch of the community ReThink Plastic Vietnam marks the enthusiasm for the reduction of plastic pollution of the Vietnamese and international community in HCMC. We want to be part of the long term solution by inspiring our members to take action in their homes, companies and communities. It is an on- and offline community that facilitates business, public and community initiatives to reduce plastic pollution in Vietnam. We will be organizing on- and offline events, do matchmaking for our members and offer a platform to find support for your own initiatives.
Becoming part of our growing community is easy, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/rethinkplasticvietnam and be inspired to take action in your own house, community or company.
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About DBAV
The Dutch Business Association in Vietnam (DBAV) is an independent and non-profit organization active since 1999. DBAV actively promotes stronger business relationships between the Dutch and Vietnamese business communities through events and collaboration, as well as other active communities in Vietnam. DBAV is also committed to promoting social, cultural activities and initiatives. Through active participation in both business and community activities, DBAV raises awareness and provides support for the growing Dutch business community in Vietnam. DBAV maintains close links with the Netherlands Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City. DBAV is a partner of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham). DBAV membership entitles you with two memberships including EuroCham. For more information, please visit us at http://dbav.org.vn
About ReThink Plastic Vietnam:
ReThink Plastic Vietnam is a community initiative that is supported by the Dutch Consulate in HCMC, the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam and the main sponsors Louis Dreyfus Company, Philips and Heineken. The team consists of:
- Madeleine van Hasselt – Behavioral change consultant
- Nika Salvetti – Researcher and Lecturer on social responsibility and sustainability
- Raffy van der Burgt – Humanitarian project manager
- Karen Smit – Technical business development manager
- Maaike Evers – Event management expert