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Alarming reality of waste

According to chọcho, material consumption has continued to rise globally, accompanied by a significant increase in waste generation. An estimated 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are produced worldwide each year, including food, electronic products, and textiles.

Data from the Global Fashion Agenda indicate that around 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated annually. The fashion and textile sector accounts for approximately 2-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes about 9% of annual microplastic leakage into the oceans. The industry is also resource-intensive, consuming an estimated 215 trillion liters of water, equivalent to 86 million Olympic-sized swimming pools. In addition, textile manufacturing involves the use of roughly 15,000 chemicals, some of which can remain in the environment for extended periods.

Food waste presents a similarly significant challenge. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reported that households worldwide wasted more than one billion meals per day in 2022, while 783 million people experienced hunger and more than 30% of the global population faced food insecurity. Global food waste is estimated to cost about US$1 trillion annually, with Southeast Asia accounting for roughly 25% of the total, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) representative in Vietnam.

These figures highlight a broader social imbalance, as surplus food and unused goods coexist with households and workers facing increasing financial pressure amid rising living costs.

Redefining ownership

chọcho noted that in the context of climate change and ongoing economic uncertainty, sustainability efforts need to move beyond limited measures such as reducing plastic use. The company views extending product lifecycles through reuse as a practical and scalable approach.

According to chọcho, sharing used items can serve as an effective form of recycling, allowing goods that are no longer needed by one person to be repurposed by another. In addition to reducing waste, access to shared meals and reused items can support low-income workers by addressing basic needs while fostering social connection. This circulation of goods can help reduce pressure on waste management systems and contribute to broader social welfare objectives.

“Instead of hoarding items that are no longer needed, returning them to the ‘consumer flow’ is the quickest and most practical way to support vulnerable groups,” a chọcho representative said. The approach reflects a shift from individual ownership toward community sharing, where value is defined by use rather than storage.

Tech-driven approach to community sharing

chọcho uses digital tools to facilitate a voluntary “give-and-receive” network designed to reduce household waste. The platform encourages users to share items such as surplus meals, children’s toys, or books, allowing these goods to be reused rather than discarded.

According to the company, this model helps donors reduce clutter while providing recipients with access to practical resources. A short-video feature enables users to show the actual condition of items, helping recipients make informed decisions. The platform operates on a non-commercial basis, with item descriptions intended to remain straightforward and transparent rather than promotional.

chọcho also emphasizes data protection and user privacy, aiming to reduce potential stigma associated with receiving assistance. By maintaining a discreet and transparent system, the platform seeks to foster participation across different social groups.

“As urban centers face increasing inequality and waste management pressures, platforms like chọcho can play a role in promoting sustainable practices,” the representative said. “By extending the life cycle of existing goods, we aim to support more responsible consumption and contribute to resilient community values.”

See more information about chọcho here.