Before reading this article, I encourage you to watch a short film called “HOPE.” This animation follows the journey of Aqua, a newborn sea turtle. From the moment he hatches, Aqua faces many challenges like human pollution and predators. Using his courage, he overcomes each obstacle and finally reaches the sea. Just before entering the ocean, Aqua sees something that changes his life, helping him grow stronger.

Different people find inspiration in various ways—through books, speeches, or visuals. For me, images make a lasting impact. This short film has been a favorite of mine and my son for over a year. The music and the final scene always bring tears to my eyes. Watching Aqua’s journey reminds me of my own dream to become a sea turtle conservation volunteer.

Almost 8 years ago, when I was a third-year student with little money, I wanted to become a sea turtle conservation volunteer in Con Dao Island. The cost was around $200, which seemed impossible while working part-time for less than a dollar an hour. I had to set aside this dream and almost forgot about it. However, this year I am determined to try again, even though many people apply, and only a few get selected. As they say, “You never try, you never know.” Acting is already half the journey.

This aspiration also connects to a project I have admired for many years: The Ocean Cleanup, founded by Boyan Slat. Since he started the project, it has faced many challenges, yet today it continues to strive towards its goal. They aim to clean up 90% of floating ocean plastic pollution by 2040. I love their clear, sustainable goal, complete with a specific figure and timeline. Their strategy includes a mapping process to connect rivers and oceans, stopping new trash from flowing into the sea. Remarkably, one of their projects is running in my country—Can Tho River, Can Tho, Vietnam.

Although I haven’t closely followed all the details, the progress is inspiring. To date, they have removed 12,841,571 kg of trash. What can we do with this trash? Impressively, they turn it into sellable products.

The Ocean Cleanup isn’t alone in this mission. Organizations like NextWave are also working to reuse ocean plastic. For instance, USSELBLOMMA’s IKEA collection features a bag, two cushion covers, and a tablecloth made from recycled plastic waste collected by Spanish fishermen.

This circular approach extends the lifespan of materials, creating a never-ending cycle of reuse. Turning trash into valuable products is no easy task, but it is incredibly meaningful. The more trash we remove, the healthier our oceans become for marine life. The more trash we recycle, and the less trash we create, the more sustainable our environment becomes.

By supporting these efforts, we can create a brighter, cleaner future for our planet and its inhabitants. Let Aqua’s journey in “HOPE” inspire you to take action and make a difference, no matter how small it may seem. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and create lasting change.