The Greeners Project 

Written by Sangwook Ahn

Today, July 3, 2022, is the International Plastic Bag Free Day. In accordance with this special day, Ecosave members participated in “The Greeners Campaign” collaborating with Open Hands. The goal of the project is to improve the environment of the underprivileged village of Inarawan. Trash is easily seen everywhere and anywhere around the village and the stinking odor is hard to endure. The trash causes contamination to their water supply and eventually threatens their health and well-being. 

To solve this problem, Ecosave Club and our partner Open Hands organized a plogging event. Our members gathered at the Han River Highland, an area that is a popular spot for family picnics and numerous social events. As expected, there were trash left behind from the day before, and we collected them in biodegradable trash bags. In addition, we held a fundraiser after the plogging event. The funds will be used to educate the children of the Cherryl School regarding basic hygiene to hold plogging events at the Inarawn village and finally to provide meals for the children who are suffering from malnutrition.

We plan to continue with the Greeners Campaign by making educational videos to educate children about the problems caused by the trash and raise awareness to the villagers the importance of preserving the environment. 

Overall, our Ecosave members felt the event was successful, as we were able to promote our club to young children and families who were at the Han River Highlands and even to the former running presidential candidate who we surprisingly ran into. We look forward to the next plogging.