WeLoveU members in Korea are taking action
to preserve the Earth’s fragile environment, which continues to deteriorate
due to climate change and excessive waste.

From February 24 to 27, six WeLoveU chapters in the Seoul metropolitan area
hosted educational sessions as part of the “Clean WORLD Movement
to Empty the Earth’s Trash Bin” under the WeLoveU School’s
“Small Steps for Global Citizenship 2025” initiative.

It aims to raise awareness of the waste problem, which impacts the environment,
society, and economy as a whole, and to encourage each individual to take the first
small step—starting with me—by practicing responsible consumption and reducing waste.
Through these efforts, we can address global challenges such as climate change
and threats to ecosystems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable planet.

Teachers who were trained through WeLoveU’s education program last year,
led these sessions, adding even greater significance to the event.

The session kicked off with an interactive activity titled
“A Single Thread Connecting Us”: Participants threw yarn to one another,
forming an interconnected web. Then, by shaking and letting go of the thread,
they experienced how their actions affected the entire network.
The subsequent lesson focused on the harmful consequences of indiscriminate
waste disposal and its impact on the Earth and future generations.
Recognizing the reality of this global issue
is essential for addressing it as global citizens.

Using educational materials developed by WeLoveU headquarters,
teachers objectively illustrated the consequences of excessive waste
and guided participants in identifying practical solutions.

“The Earth is home to all living creatures—humans, sea life, animals,
and plants—thriving in diverse environments such as oceans,
mountains, fields, sky, wetlands, swamps, and rocks.
To preserve this shared home, we must take responsibility for its care.”

During the session, the participants examined the impact
of indiscriminate waste disposal and empathized with the plight of whales
struggling to survive in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP).
They also voiced the perspectives of residents in waste-affected regions,
deepening their awareness of the issue’s severity.

“I am a whale living in the Pacific Garbage Patch. At first, I was pleased to hear that my home was recognized as a ‘country.’ But soon, I faced a problem —I need to eat a lot to sustain my body, yet the trash humans discard makes it impossible to tell what is food. I wish people would stop polluting my home so I can eat, breathe, and live.”

“Where I live, the climate is hot, so we don’t need many clothes. However, in fashion-driven countries, people buy and discard clothing based on trends, leading to an overflow of textile waste in my region. I wish these unnecessary trends would disappear.”

As they discussed the severity of waste disposal, attendees expressed
their distress over the plight of those affected by excessive waste.
Both teachers and participants unanimously pledged to actively participate
in the Clean WORLD Movement and take meaningful steps to reduce waste.

“To an individual, throwing trash into a bin may seem like the end
of the process—out of sight, out of mind. But from a global perspective,
that trash doesn’t disappear; it simply moves elsewhere.
We must go beyond our personal views
and adopt a global mindset to address this issue.”

Moved by these insights, participants nodded in agreement and made a collective
pledge: “We will actively reduce waste, starting with changes in our daily lives.”

Reflections from Participants

😰I’ve realized the seriousness of environmental issues.

I will start practicing it myself! 💪

I am connected to the world!

Let’s become global citizens who love the Earth!❤

👀A change in awareness has occurred.

I’ve realized the value of the Earth. 🌏

Warning against the use of disposable products!

Thinking from a global perspective. 💭

My small changes ✨ will save the Earth.

Join the Clean WORLD Movement!

A valuable learning experience! 🤓

“I’ve learned how disposing of trash carelessly harms the Earth’s environment. From now on, I will properly sort my waste, reduce consumption, and actively practice sharing, reusing, and recycling. Thank you for helping me make positive changes through this education.”

Lee Su-ja

“I used to wonder, ‘Why does my boss carry a tumbler around? Isn’t it inconvenient?’ But through today’s education, I’ve realized the importance of this small habit. I will start doing the same and encourage others to join me.”

Lee Jae-hyun

“I’ve always been interested in the environment and have made efforts to take eco-friendly actions, even when it was inconvenient. Through today’s class, I’ve realized that protecting the planet isn’t just for me—it’s for my loved ones as well. I’m determined not only to continue these efforts but also to inspire others to join me.”

Jeong Se-bin

I used to believe that the waste problem was too vast for me to make a difference, given the overwhelming amount of trash affecting the Earth. However, through this event, I’ve realized that my actions matter and that even small changes can have a meaningful impact. I will put what I’ve learned into practice and strive to be a global citizen dedicated to protecting our planet.

Joo Young-ho

The WeLoveU School’s Small Steps for Global Citizenships will continue
until everyone in the global community unites in protecting our planet.

“One person’s small step contributes to the sustainability of humanity.
Join WeLoveU in striving for a cleaner Earth and a better future for all!”