In May 2025, ASEZ members from Hanyang University, Hanyang Women’s University, and Korea National Sport University actively conducted seminars and street cleanups as part of the “ASEZ Zero Plastic Campaign.” From May 1 to 28, they carried out a month-long awareness campaign, street cleanup activities, and a supporting signature campaign in the Sageundong area of Seongdong-gu, Seoul, putting into practice their goal of a “world without plastic.”
Around 50 student volunteers participated in the campaign, aiming to draw public attention to the problems of excessive plastic use in daily life. On May 19, ASEZ held a seminar on plastic pollution at the Seoul campus of Hanyang University, aligning with global efforts to address this issue.
The seminar addressed the harmful impact of single-use plastics on marine and land ecosystems as well as human health. It also highlighted the need for systemic global change, as emphasized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), to reduce plastic pollution by more than 50% by 2040. ASEZ used presentation slides and video content to explain the root causes and possible solutions to plastic pollution in an accessible way. Attendees also shared and discussed practical lifestyle changes that could help tackle the issue.
On May 22, volunteers conducted a street cleanup on and around the Hanyang University campus, picking up illegally dumped plastic waste and directly demonstrating the importance of environmental protection to citizens. Kang Nan-yeong, an ASEZ member and a student at Hanyang Women’s University’s Practical English Department (22 years old), shared, “I knew about plastic pollution but found it hard to take action. I’m proud that I was able to practice zero plastic through this campaign, and I want to continue even after it ends.”
During the campaign, both online and offline supporting signature campaign gathered wide support from university students, professors, and citizens. Approximately 200 students and 25 professors joined ASEZ in support of environmental protection. Professor Yuk Hyun-chul, Chair of the Department of Sport & Leisure Studies at Korea National Sport University, remarked, “Plastic is being used far too indiscriminately these days, and it’s severely damaging the ecosystem. It’s impressive to see students take the lead in serving the environment.” Professor Lim Kang-mo from Hanyang Women’s University’s Practical English Department, who has supported ASEZ activities since 2023, said, “As a professor from the same university, I have every reason to support such a wonderful initiative,” and expressed his intention to continue participating.
Through this campaign, ASEZ members not only deepened their own understanding of plastic pollution but also raised awareness among those around them. In celebration of Environment Month this June, ASEZ plans to continue its environmental initiatives. The university student volunteer group ASEZ of the World Mission Society Church of God will keep working toward a sustainable society through various campaigns and seminars. With the belief that “small actions lead to greater change,” they remain committed to the path toward zero plastic.
