Sharing to Protect the Planet: Shincheonji Volunteers Host Eco Campaign on World Environment Day

On June 5, in celebration of World Environment Day, the Dongdaemun Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group (led by Branch Director Yoo Young-joo) held an eco-conscious campaign in the heart of Seoul. Under the slogan “Green Nature, Let’s Protect It Together,” this event addressed the impact of fast fashion on our planet—offering both education and hands-on activities to citizens and tourists.

A Campaign That Caught Global Attention

Hosted in front of Bosingak Pavilion in Jongno, the event drew participation from 158 citizens, including international visitors. One notable guest, Veronica, a minimalist lifestyle YouTuber from the United States, shared her reflection:

“I was aware of fast fashion’s issues, but this campaign helped me understand the importance of resource circulation more deeply. I’m grateful to organizations like Shincheonji for taking environmental responsibility seriously.”

Veronica expressed her enthusiasm by filming the event for her YouTube channel and pledged to include links to Shincheonji’s website and social media in her video description.

What is “Fast Fashion,” and Why Does It Matter?

Fast fashion refers to the rapid production and consumption of cheap, trendy clothing. While convenient, this system leads to:

• Massive textile waste

• Pollution from dyes and synthetic materials

• Excessive resource consumption

Shincheonji volunteers sought to raise awareness about this issue while offering practical alternatives.

Sharing for the Earth: What Happened at the Event?

The eco-campaign included:

• Educational booths on how fast fashion harms the environment

• A “Message to the Earth” station where citizens could write pledges

• Clothing and shoe donation stations (170+ clothing items and 30 pairs of shoes shared)

• DIY eco-bag workshops using traditional bojagi (Korean wrapping cloths)

These reusable bojagi bags were especially popular, offering a cultural and sustainable alternative to plastic.

Citizens Respond with Gratitude and Reflection

Participants voiced appreciation for the event. One local, Mr. Lee (65, alias), shared:

“I’ve seen celebrities do clothing drives, but this is my first time seeing a volunteer group tackle fashion and environmental issues together. It really made me think.”

The campaign not only provided hands-on ways to recycle and reuse but also planted seeds of environmental consciousness in everyday life.

A Culture of Everyday Action

A Dongdaemun branch representative stated:

“Protecting the environment isn't something only special people can do. It’s a daily habit we can all take part in. We'll continue to host action-oriented campaigns like this with our community.”

This is part of Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s ongoing “Green Nature” initiative, which promotes wetland preservation, disaster recovery, and street cleanup efforts.

Source: https://vo.la/GIjxYRC