FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GREEN POINT PROGRAM
- What is Green Point essentially: it is a resource recovery point, these recovered materials will be recycled to create new materials or useful products. At the location, the area with Green Point will be considered an area that has successfully classified waste at the source. This area is confirmed on the software system managed by the People’s Committee of the ward or commune.
- Is Green Point focused on the elderly or the young? Suitable for all ages, we prioritize the elderly because they have more free time, and prioritize women because they spend more time managing household waste.
- Is Green Point a VOLUNTARY model? This is a voluntary registration program of apartments, residential areas, schools, … and operated by volunteers. However, when operating, follow the technical instructions for waste classification issued by Grac and recyclers. The models must be maintained for 3 months or more. Volunteers can be: security guards, cleaners, janitors and other volunteers.
- Is this model sure to change people’s behavior? => Changing awareness and work is extremely difficult and takes a lot of time. Therefore, implementing a short program for 3 months is only for testing and giving initial evaluation of the program, after the end, it can continue to be implemented annually to gradually change.
- Does Green Point apply technology? Is the Grac app applied to accumulate points to redeem gifts.
- Does Green Point accept cash? Yes, this money is paid by volunteers who receive waste and pay, this waste will be resold to cover labor costs and gift costs, maintaining Green Point.
- Who is Green Point suitable for? Residential areas, apartments, schools with volunteers who agree to operate.
- Is there a program to exchange recycled waste to reduce monthly household waste? Yes, but only applicable in areas where the local household waste collection company agrees to use Grac software. Payments will be made via Momo wallet, bank, convenience store.
- How many Green Point points are there? Currently in Ho Chi Minh City, Grac has deployed 8 Green Point points, expected to develop 100 Green Point points by 2025.
- Has Green Point been approved by the state management agency? Currently, the state requires waste classification at source, promoting the circular economy. In addition, Grac software has been applied in more than 200 localities.
- List 10 differences between Green Point and other programs: 1) Green Point has a system of accumulating points to exchange for gifts and collecting recycled waste with a wide network, maintained sustainably, so it is not an event. 2) Green Point collects all types of waste depending on local characteristics such as bulky waste, electronic waste, etc. 3) Green Point has a heavily invested online education program. 4) Green Point applies AI to support waste classification and recycling. 5) Green Point collects and recycles low-value plastic waste such as plastic bags, etc. 6) Green Point applies Grac software integrated with background data on household waste management managed by the local People’s Committee. 7) Green Point receives limited support in gifts from Pepsico brand. 8) Green Point is a voluntary model and brings economic, environmental and social benefits to volunteers and organizations. 9) Suitable for all ages. 10) Green Point does not need technology to operate.
Each apartment building, residential area, school is a green recycling point
(12) Does the stored waste cause odors in the warehouse?
=> People need to wash, dry the recyclables, and sort them according to Green Point’s specific instructions to ensure that the waste is collected properly.
(13) Does it affect waste collectors and scrap collectors?
=> Opportunities to cooperate and support collectors. However, Green Point can also create opportunities to cooperate with waste collectors and scrap collectors by integrating them into the program’s collection system. This can help them continue to have jobs and income, while improving working conditions and benefits from collecting recyclables.
(14) Can we cooperate with other units to implement?
=> Cooperating with organizations, businesses or government agencies can help Green Point expand its scope of activities, reach more subjects, and improve the effectiveness of the program.
Green Point has signed a cooperation agreement with the scrap yard,
(15) After 3 months, how can we evaluate the changes?
=> After 3 months of implementing the program, we will base on the results of the survey before and after implementation, along with the amount of garbage collected to evaluate whether people’s behavior has changed or not to continue implementing the program for a longer period of time.
(16) Do people get cash or just gifts?
=> Grac also plans to add cash, loyalty points, gifts or garbage vouchers so that people can have more useful experiences.
(17) Does the Grac App have any way to remind people to change their daily habits?
=> Currently, Grac is researching and developing more daily notifications and messages on the Grac App about how to classify and recycle so that people can access and gradually form habits to change their awareness.
(18) Does organizing daily waste human resources?
=> The Green Point model is organized every day, or some days or some hours of the day during the week to save human resources and focus on collecting more garbage.
(19) How to attract people’s interest and participation?
=> Use various media channels such as social networks, newspapers, radio, television and websites to bring information about the program closer to people. Create attractive, easy-to-understand and highly viral content.
(20) What types of waste are accepted in the program?
=> Green Point currently collects recyclable waste such as: plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and difficult-to-recycle waste: snack bags, bottle labels, milk cartons, etc. However, more types may be collected in the future.
(21) How can points be accumulated?
=> Every time people bring recyclable waste to Green Point’s collection point, they will accumulate points in their accounts. The number of points will depend on the type and volume of waste collected.
(22) What gifts can the accumulated points be exchanged for?
=> People can exchange gifts such as: Succulents, trash bags, keychains, handmade flower pots, etc. The gift list will be updated regularly on the app or at collection points.
(23) How do I find the nearest Green Point?
=> People can look up the nearest Green Point through the app or the program’s official website.
(24) What should I do if my trash is rejected?
=> In case the trash does not meet the standards, the staff at the collection point will guide you on how to properly classify and process the trash. You can take the trash home, make adjustments, and come back later.
(25) Does the program support environmental education activities?
=> In addition to exchanging trash for gifts, Green Point often organizes educational activities, seminars, and propaganda campaigns to raise public awareness of environmental protection.
(26) Can I donate my accumulated points to others?
=> Green Point’s program may allow you to donate your accumulated points to others. Grac will add a list of charity points for you to donate.
(27) If I can’t bring my trash to the collection point myself, is there a home collection service?
=> Some Green Point programs such as “Collect free-ship snack bags at home”. People just need to store enough bags as required, then go to the Grac App to schedule a collection, someone will come to your home to collect them and ship completely free. People will accumulate points through their phone number. The current program only applies to HCM. Detailed information on the website: grac.vn.
(28) Is there a limit to the number of times I can redeem gifts?
=> Green Point does not have a limit on the number of times I can redeem gifts, but the program may end or the number of gifts may run out sooner than expected.
(29) If the program ends, can my accumulated points be used elsewhere?
=> If the Green Point program ends, the accumulated points on the Grac App are still valid, and users can redeem gifts at Grac events across Vietnam.
