VietNamNet Bridge – A local craftsman from central Vietnam is trying to replace single-use plastic straws with reusable bamboo alternatives at hotels, resorts and restaurants in Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.

Bamboo straws are produced at Taboo Bamboo workshop in Cam Thanh Commune - an ecotour site in Hoi An. The environment-friendly product can be used to reduce single-use plastic straws.  — Photo courtesy Vo Tan Tan

Vo Tan Tan said the project started early this year to raise a campaign to say no to plastic straws and single-use plastic cups in Hoi An.

He said bamboo straws were the latest environmentally friendly product being made at his workshop in Cam Thanh Commune – an eco-tour site – that boasts 40ha of nipa palm forest.

Tan said he also offered a tour that to teach guests about traditional crafts made from bamboo and a kayaking tour to clean up the river.

The craftsman said his workshop could produce 20,000 bamboo straws each month without the use of chemicals.

Cam Thanh Commune – 5km from Hoi An – offers bicycle tours and trips in coracle boats through the nipa palm forest. Earlier this year, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) launched a communication campaign to promote the non-use of plastic bags as a prelude to its sea turtle conservation programme on Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province and Cham Island in Hoi An.

The programme, entitled Down 1 bottle, Save the Future, aims to encourage hotel owners and tour operators to provide free drinking water for tourists visiting the Ly Son islands following an initiative, Refill, Not Landfill. 

Bamboo pen cover. — Photos courtesy Vo Tan Tan Bicycle toy is also made partly from bamboo.

Source: VNS