Greece, which attracts tens of millions of tourists every year, welcomed approximately 36 million visitors in 2024 alone, making tourism a core industry of its economy. However, the surge in tourist numbers has led to problems of overtourism, with environmental pollution emerging as a serious social issue. In particular, plastic waste and general litter found throughout tourist destinations are polluting beaches and city centers, placing a heavy burden on the natural environment and marine ecosystems.
On February 16, 2025, 23 members of ASEZ, the Church of God University Student Volunteer Group, conducted an environmental cleanup at Votsalakia Beach, one of Greece’s popular tourist destinations. This beach, renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, has recently seen a rise in plastic pollution due to the influx of tourists and the area’s dense population. The members cleaned approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) of beach and nearby city area over two hours, collecting the equivalent of ten 50-liter bags of waste.
During the cleanup, they also held a panel exhibition for the “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign, which drew the attention of citizens. The exhibition served to highlight the seriousness of plastic pollution and the importance of environmental protection, helping raise environmental awareness. Many citizens expressed their support by signing in support to help end plastic pollution.
Following this, on February 19, the “Zero Plastic 2040 Forum” was held at the University of Piraeus. As part of ASEZ’s global “Zero Plastic 2040” campaign to end plastic pollution by 2040, similar forums have been held at major universities in countries such as the United States, Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Mexico.
In Greece, the forum at the University of Piraeus featured various discussions on solutions to plastic pollution. University students attending the forum explored practical actions to reduce plastic use and shared concrete strategies that could be implemented on campus. The President of the University of Piraeus, Sfakianakis Michael, who supported the event, welcomed the environmental protection efforts of the ASEZ students and expressed his appreciation for the forum being held. He emphasized university students’ active participation in environmental protection.
ASEZ students from Korea stressed the importance of international cooperation in solving marine pollution issues. Yoon Hye-jeong, a student from Pusan National University, said, “Through this campaign, I wanted to raise awareness about how careless plastic use is polluting both our lives and the sea. Just like we conducted beach cleanups in Korea, it was very meaningful to hold similar activities and a seminar in Piraeus, one of the major port cities of the Mediterranean. I was especially happy that not only ASEZ members but also Greek citizens joined us. I hope ASEZ’s efforts in Greece continue and lead to a future free of plastic pollution,” she said with a bright smile. Ioanna Georgantzi, an ASEZ member who participated in the event, shared her thoughts, saying, “I was very happy to be part of such a meaningful activity with people full of smiles.”
As student-led environmental movements for a sustainable future spread globally, interest in sustainable living continues to grow. It is hoped that ASEZ’s expanding efforts will inspire more people to raise awareness about plastic pollution while witnessing a cleaner natural environment.
