Plastic Waste After Tet: Why Holiday Traditions Need a Green Upgrade

Tet is Vietnam’s most important holiday—but it’s also one of the biggest contributors to seasonal waste. From single-use decorations to disposable packaging and lucky money envelopes, much of what’s used during Tet is thrown away within days.

As awareness around sustainability grows, it’s time to rethink how we celebrate—without losing the spirit of tradition.

Why Tet Creates So Much Waste

During the Lunar New Year period, waste collection spikes across major cities. Common contributors include:

• Single-use plastic packaging

• Disposable utensils and straws

• Paper decorations and lucky money envelopes

Most of these items are used once and sent straight to landfills, where they take years—or centuries—to break down.

Rethinking Lucky Money and Paper Waste

Lucky money is meaningful, but traditional envelopes are rarely reused. A simple alternative is plantable lucky money envelopes made from seed paper.

Instead of becoming waste, these envelopes can be planted after Tet and grow into plants—turning a symbolic gift into a living reminder of the holiday.

👉 View EQUO’s Plantable Tet Lucky Money Envelope Set

Reducing Plastic from Drinks and Takeaway Meals

Tet gatherings often mean more drinks, more takeaway food, and more single-use plastic. Replacing disposable straws and utensils with reusable alternatives can significantly reduce waste during and after the holiday.

For example:

• Sugarcane straws for drinks at home or events
  
  

• Reusable cutlery for takeaway meals
  
  

Small Changes, Big Post-Tet Impact

Sustainable alternatives don’t remove tradition—they modernize it. By choosing reusable and plantable products, families and businesses can enjoy Tet while reducing the environmental cost long after the celebrations end.