Individuals with disabilities in Da Nang have shown incredible resilience and determination by actively participating in environmental protection efforts through the recycling of textile waste. Despite facing personal difficulties and disabilities, these individuals have found a way to contribute to reducing waste in the environment while creating sustainable livelihoods for themselves.
The Centre of Research and Community Inclusive Support (CORMIS) in Da Nang, established in 2018, focuses on supporting vulnerable groups and people with disabilities. One of the center’s main initiatives is the textile waste recycling program, aimed at improving the quality of life for these groups while also addressing environmental concerns.
Textile waste is a significant issue in the city, particularly from hotels and resorts. Many of the center’s members are women with disabilities who work as home seamstresses. The Textile Waste Recycling Programme was launched to transform this waste into useful products with economic value, providing income for individuals with disabilities and reducing textile waste in the environment.
The recycling team targets textile waste from hotels and resorts, repurposing items like towels, tablecloths, bed sheets, and blankets into school uniforms, bags, backpacks, and other useful products. Additionally, leftover fabric from sewing shops is collected and recycled into various items like backpacks, hats, and clothing.
Through this program, over 100 recycled product samples have been developed, creating more than 16,320 useful products for different customer groups. One inspiring story is that of Dang Thi My Trinh, a 42-year-old woman with a mobility impairment who has found purpose and fulfillment through her involvement in the program.
Trinh’s tasks include sorting textile waste, processing fabrics, handling customer orders, and guiding others who come to learn about textile waste recycling. Her experience has transformed her outlook on life, giving her a sense of purpose and confidence that she previously lacked.
The textile waste recycling program has expanded to four provinces and cities, with dozens of core members actively involved. Capacity building is a key focus, with members receiving training in design, recycling, sales, teamwork, financial management, and customer interaction. This not only benefits the individuals with disabilities but also promotes a green lifestyle and changes community perceptions about their abilities.
Overall, the efforts of individuals with disabilities in Da Nang to engage in environmental protection through textile waste recycling are commendable. Their resilience, creativity, and dedication serve as an inspiration to others, showing that everyone can make a positive impact on the environment, regardless of personal challenges.