Climate change has become an issue of major concern worldwide, as it has caused extreme weather phenomena, such as global warming and rising sea levels. As Vietnam is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, many enterprises have come up with plans to diminish its impact and Nestlé Vietnam is not an outsider to this trend.
On the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, employees and the environmental ambassador group of Nestlé Vietnam have joined forces with the Gaia Nature Conservation to hold an afforestation activity called “Sowing green seeds-Nurturing Life” to raise awareness and call for efforts to alleviate the impact of climate change.
Binu Jacob, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam, said climate change was a global issue which required the combination of many solutions. Through the afforestation activity, Nestlé Vietnam expected to contribute to enhancing the awareness of combating climate change and promoting environmental protection activities among its employees.
Do Thi Thanh Huyen, director of the Gaia Nature Conservation, said the activity helped contribute 1,000 trees to the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve Center. Those trees will provide precious timber and food for wild animals.
The activity also contributed to recovering and restoring forests and the ecosystem as a whole, thus reducing the negative impact of climate change. Gaia and Nestlé will regularly take care of the trees to ensure their growth, Huyen added.
Also on the occasion of World Environment Day, La Vie, a member of Nestlé Group in Vietnam, has coordinated with the Long An Department of Natural Resources and Environment to plant trees to help protect the environment and regenerating water resources and surrounding landscapes. In specifics, La Vie’s employees have planted and presented 100 trees to the government of Tan Tru District, Long An Province.
In fact, Nestlé has been a pioneer in efforts to protect the environment for years on end.
In 2019, Nestlé built a roadmap to cut greenhouse gas emissions in phases, heading towards the net-zero emissions by 2050, as committed by Vietnam at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in late 2021. In September 2021, the firm announced a plan to boost the development of the regenerative agriculture sector with a focus on preserving and restoring the soil ecosystem as a practical solution to protect the environment and combat climate change, serving the sustainable development target.
In Vietnam, Nestlé has carried out multiple practical activities to create a positive impact on the environment, such as those to reduce plastic waste in a bid to realize its commitment that 100% of its packaging products will be recycled or reused by 2025; a program to support the sustainable coffee cultivation in the Central Highlands; and circular business models in production.
Being steadfast in improving the public awareness of the green consumption, Nestlé MILO, a brand of Nestlé, has proactively got involved in environmental protection activities at the 31st SEA Games.
Specifically, recycling stations made of Nestlé MILO milk boxes were placed at large stadiums to encourage athletes and fans to exchange plastic waste for gifts. In addition, a welcome gate made of recycled materials with a message “the 31st SEA Games says no to plastic waste” at the My Dinh National Stadium provided information about recycled materials and improved the awareness of collecting, classifying and recycling plastic waste.
During the 31st SEA Games, an exhibition of paintings by students within the framework of the program “say no to plastic straws” was also held with an aim to stimulate each individual to take actions for a greener future.
Established in 1995, Nestlé Vietnam has ceaselessly expanded its investment and diversified products to optimize the role of food in the improvement of public health at present and in the future. The firm has also had many practical activities, initiatives and models changing consumers’ and enterprises’ habits and awareness of environmental protection.
With its achievements and contributions, Nestlé Vietnam was awarded the Vietnam Environment Award 2019 by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and was named as the most sustainable enterprise in the manufacturing sector in Vietnam in 2021 by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
