A global “zero” trend is spreading. From “zero sugar” products to “zero waste” initiatives aimed at reducing trash, consumer habits and actions that consider health and the environment are becoming the norm. One campaign that stands out in this movement is the “Zero Plastic Campaign 2040,” which supports the international goal of reducing plastic pollution by 50% by the year 2040.
In line with this, ASEZ students from Semyung University held a campaign on campus from May 20 to 21. During lunchtime, members reached out to passing professors and students, raising awareness about the severity of plastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health, while encouraging people to sign in support. Many paused to listen, expressed empathy, and professors willingly joined in with their signatures, lending support to ASEZ’s efforts.
To motivate action, ASEZ_SMU gifted custom-made mini eco-bags to those who signed in support. Members also visited the university president’s office and individual professors to explain the campaign’s purpose in person. Around 260 people learned about the campaign through these efforts, and about 40 of them showed active support by signing.
Professor Choi Yong from the Department of Foreign Languages (majoring in Chinese Language and Culture) stated, “I try to practice zero plastic in daily life by avoiding delivery food and limiting the use of disposable items.” He also suggested installing a resource-circulation system like “Superbin” in Jecheon, saying that such a system, already implemented in some cities, would greatly help address environmental issues and raise awareness locally.
Not stopping at just promoting the campaign, ASEZ members also carried out an environmental cleanup around the main gate of the school on the morning of the 21st. Despite the cloudy weather and occasional rain, the members carefully picked up cigarette butts, plastic containers, and disposable waste scattered around the campus, reflecting on the meaning of taking real action. The members, smiling and saying they were happy to take part directly, shone even more brightly through the now-clean streets.
Kim Jae-hyeok, ASEZ club president and a senior in the Digital Content Creation Department, said, “While preparing for this activity, what struck me most was learning how microplastics in the ocean affect humans through the food chain.” He added, “It made me more determined to reduce plastic use and share this information with more people.”
Kim Kang-bin, a senior in the Social Welfare Department, shared, “I introduced ASEZ and the Zero Plastic Challenge to my professor, who responded with enthusiastic support,” and expressed his desire to “continue promoting the club’s positive influence through more external activities.”
ASEZ plans to keep moving forward with various campaigns and actions toward zero plastic. We hope that these small but meaningful actions will come together to help achieve the international goal of reducing plastic pollution by half by the year 2040.
