FORGING A PATH TO SUSTAINABILITY: THE SHAKE YOUR CITY AND CARE COLLABORATION

Introduction

On June 16, 2023, Shake Your City, an organization committed to fostering positive change in society by connecting citizens' initiatives with students, had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Kieu Le Thuy Chung, a dedicated scientist working at the Asian Centre for Water Research (CARE). The interview focused on Dr. Chung's research on microplastics and their environmental impacts, as well as strategies for raising awareness and managing plastic effectively.

Shake Your City's Mission

Shake Your City is an organization that recognizes the pressing issues facing our planet and has taken a proactive stance to facilitate change. Their goal is to serve as an intermediary between citizens' initiatives that promote ecological sustainability, sustainable food practices, and social economy, and their network of students. Through their website, they connect students seeking job opportunities, volunteering positions, or internships with these initiatives. This not only benefits students but also assists the initiatives in finding qualified and passionate individuals to collaborate with.

Interview with Dr. Kieu Le Thuy Chung

The interview with Dr. Chung revolved around her research on microplastics in the Saigon-Dongnai river system and its broader implications for the environment. Key points discussed during the interview include:

Microplastics Research: Dr. Chung shared insights into the ongoing microplastic research at CARE. She discussed the methodology and techniques used to monitor and analyze microplastics in the Saigon-Dongnai river system. This research is crucial in understanding the extent of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.

Environmental Impacts: Dr. Chung emphasized the environmental impacts of microplastics. She explained how these tiny plastic particles can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, potentially harming aquatic life and affecting the overall ecosystem health. Her research helps shed light on the specific threats posed by microplastics in the Saigon-Dongnai river system.

Community Awareness: One of the primary objectives of Dr. Chung's work is to raise awareness among the community about the harmful effects of microplastics. She discussed the importance of educating the public on the sources of microplastics, their pathways into the environment, and the steps individuals can take to reduce plastic pollution.

Effective Plastic Management: Dr. Chung shared insights on effective plastic management strategies. She emphasized the need for comprehensive waste management systems, recycling initiatives, and policies that target the reduction of single-use plastics. Her research informs policymakers and stakeholders on the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.

Shake Your City's Role

During the interview, Shake Your City expressed their interest in collaborating with Dr. Chung and CARE to further their mission. They highlighted how students, with their knowledge and qualifications, can play a vital role in supporting research and initiatives aimed at addressing microplastic pollution and environmental sustainability.

The organization sees the potential to connect students interested in environmental science, conservation, and sustainability with CARE's ongoing research and awareness-raising efforts. By creating a bridge between students and research institutions like CARE, Shake Your City aims to amplify the impact of such initiatives.

Conclusion

The interview with Dr. Kieu Le Thuy Chung shed light on the critical research being conducted at CARE regarding microplastic pollution in the Saigon-Dongnai river system. Dr. Chung's dedication to raising awareness about the environmental impacts of microplastics and her work towards effective plastic management align with the mission of Shake Your City.

Shake Your City's commitment to connecting students with initiatives that promote ecological sustainability and social responsibility holds great promise for addressing environmental challenges. The potential collaboration between Shake Your City and CARE represents a significant step forward in the collective efforts to combat plastic pollution and protect our planet's ecosystems. This partnership underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing complex environmental issues.