Carpa’s Enduring Journey: Nurturing the Environment, Preserving Heritage

Amid the bustling pace of the capital, if you happen to stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake on a weekend, you’re likely to encounter “white-shirted teams” diligently picking up every small piece of trash. This is the “For a Trash-Free Hoan Kiem Lake” project — a wholehearted environmental campaign initiated and consistently maintained by Carpa Vietnam Trading Joint Stock Company (CarpaGlobal) to spread an urban green lifestyle.

The Origin of a Green Commitment and a Grand Vision

Officially launched in September 2018, and persisting for nearly 8 years, “For a Trash-Free Hoan Kiem Lake” is not a one-off movement-style event. The project has attracted more than 50 volunteer staff members, divided into small groups to clean up trash in different areas, collecting 30kg of plastic waste and household waste around the lake, which is a famous tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Picking up trash here is not just about cleaning — it carries a bigger vision:

Preserving a cultural symbol: Joining hands to protect the landscape of Hoan Kiem Lake, maintaining the image of a civilized, elegant capital in the eyes of international friends.

Promoting sustainable tourism: Contributing to building a green, clean, and beautiful tourism environment.

Building a green living culture: Spreading environmental protection awareness through the smallest, most concrete actions.

A Close-Up Perspective: A Day With the White-Shirted Teams

Equipped with specialized trash-picking tongs and eco-friendly biodegradable bags, the volunteers always show up with smiles and positive energy. The image of white-shirted figures patiently cleaning every corner around trees, benches, and drain covers by the lake has become a familiar, beautiful sight, quietly helping make the walking space fresher. Below are the defining traits of these “trash-eliminating teams”:

Equipment & Gear: The team is equipped with specialized trash-picking tongs, biodegradable bags, and the distinctive white uniform.

Operating Schedule: The project is maintained on a weekly basis, focusing on weekend time slots when Hoan Kiem Lake sees the highest number of visitors.

Spirit of Participation: The volunteers consistently spread positive, friendly energy and are always ready to guide the community — especially children — in joining this meaningful experience.

Team Spirit: Picking Up Trash Together

One of the core values that gives the project its vitality is a strong collective spirit. Regardless of department or rank, Carpa members voluntarily sign up to join the weekend clean-up drives. These moments of picking up trash together are not just an act of environmental cleaning, but also a bond that strengthens colleague relationships, turning a demanding task into a joyful and meaningful extracurricular activity.

Recognition From the Community & Media

The project’s greatest success cannot be measured by numbers alone — it lies in its powerful ripple effect. These relentless efforts have received attention and recognition from the press and mass media channels.

The volunteer team’s admirable actions have created a wonderful ripple effect:

For local residents: They have started paying closer attention to disposing of trash in designated areas, and voluntarily remind one another to keep shared living spaces clean.

For the younger generation: Many children strolling with their families have eagerly asked to borrow the tongs to pick up trash alongside the volunteers, creating vivid, hands-on lessons in environmental education.

For international visitors: Quite a few foreign tourists have rolled up their sleeves to join in the clean-up, helping spread the message of green tourism and leaving behind beautiful moments of cultural exchange.

The “For a Trash-Free Hoan Kiem Lake” campaign is the most vivid and clear proof of CarpaGlobal’s commitment to sustainable development in Vietnam.

Protecting the environment has never been just one person’s story. Through the tireless footsteps around Hoan Kiem Lake every week, we hope to inspire everyone to become a “green warrior” protecting the landscape of the place they call home.

Would you like to join us?

Don’t hesitate to bring your fresh community project ideas to us, or sign up to take part in upcoming volunteer activities. Together, we will build a greener and more sustainable future!