While global plastic pollution becomes an increasingly critical issue, ASEZ, the World Mission Society Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, took a significant step toward combating global plastic pollution. On November 10, 2024, more than 380 ASEZ members from 17 universities in Busan gathered at the famous Haeundae Beach for a special performance.
The event held that day was part of ASEZ’s ongoing global initiative to clean up 14 major plastic-polluted beaches and rivers. Approximately 2,000 participants took part at key locations worldwide, including Seal Beach in the United States, the Amazon River in Brazil, and Freedom Island in the Philippines. In the Republic of Korea, the activity was conducted at Haeundae Beach in Busan.
Before the main performance, ASEZ members conducted cleanup along Haeundae Beach, collecting scattered plastic waste and other debris. Through this hands-on effort, the students took the lead in addressing environmental issues while practicing marine conservation firsthand.
Following the cleanup, ASEZ members wrote the ASEZ logo and the message “Zero Plastic 2040” into the sand. This symbolic gesture aimed to draw global attention to the United Nations and international community’s goal of regulating plastic use by 2040 and to inspire concrete action. The performance left a lasting impression on beachgoers and tourists alike.
The students then stood around the logo, chanting the slogan, “Toward Zero Plastic Pollution,” expressing their determination to create a future free from plastic pollution. Lee Bom, a member from Busan National University, shared her thoughts, “The ones who will ultimately face the consequences of non-degradable plastic are us. That’s why we must take proactive steps to solve this issue. I hope we can create a world where we can live without producing any new plastic by 2040.”
Efforts to combat plastic pollution are intensifying globally. As organizations like the UN and various governments and international organizations work on regulating plastic use and advancing recycling solutions, ASEZ’s activities are playing a crucial role in this movement. By fostering collaboration with local communities and encouraging participation from university students worldwide, ASEZ is making significant contributions to addressing the plastic crisis.
The issue of plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the Earth’s ecosystem. Amid ongoing global efforts and collaborations to address this problem, ASEZ’s initiatives are expected to make a tangible contribution to environmental protection and play a pivotal role in solving the issue of plastic pollution.
