On May 21, 2025, about 32 university students from four universities in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, gathered at Kyonggi University. ASEZ, the university student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, held a street cleanup and panel exhibition near the campus as part of the “ZERO Plastic 2040” campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
On May 21, 2025, about 32 university students from four universities in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, gathered at Kyonggi University. ASEZ, the university student volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, held a street cleanup and panel exhibition near the campus as part of the “ZERO Plastic 2040” campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
Moved by the students’ volunteering in the hot weather, nearby store owners expressed their gratitude by offering cold drinks. A professor observing the activity showed great interest and praised the campaign as meaningful and commendable. Students heading home paused to watch the cleanup, which naturally led them to the nearby panel exhibition area.
At the campaign site, panels were displayed explaining the harms of plastic use and proposed solutions in an easy-to-understand format. ASEZ members took the lead in explaining the content. Listeners, including students and faculty, nodded in agreement, and a total of 116 university students, professors, and staff voluntarily signed in support—uniting their awareness and determination to end plastic pollution.
Students from Kyonggi University, Ajou University, Kyung Hee University, and Dongnam Health University participated in the event. The Gwanggyo 1-dong Community Service Center supported the activity by providing trash bags and cleanup tools. Public official Yang Hak-gi from Gwanggyo 1-dong remarked, “It was very meaningful to work alongside volunteers who approached the task with sincerity,” and pledged continued support and cooperation.
Choi Mi-so, a second-year student at Kyonggi University, said, “While preparing the campaign panels, I was reminded of how serious plastic pollution is. It made me realize how important our activity is.” Lim Su-mi, a fourth-year student at Kyonggi University, stated, “I took part in the cleanup not out of obligation, but with a sense of ownership. I will continue to live as a young adult working toward a world without plastic.”
ASEZ continues to go beyond raising awareness by engaging youth—the future leaders of society—in hands-on, action-oriented volunteer work. Their ongoing efforts to reduce plastic pollution and create a sustainable planet are spreading the hopeful message of “Zero Plastic,” starting right from the campus.
