The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangmyeong Branch (Director: Jeon Min-jung) carried out a carbon neutrality campaign and eco-friendly shopping bag donation event on October 19 in front of Cheolsan Station Exit 2, encouraging citizens to adopt small but meaningful actions to protect the planet.
This marks the fifth consecutive year the branch has organized the campaign since 2020, aligning with Korea’s national goal of achieving 2050 carbon zero and continuing to promote sustainable community engagement.
Encouraging Everyday Eco Habits
The campaign’s core message was simple: “Small actions can create big change.”
Volunteers informed citizens that approximately 500,000 tons of waste are generated nationwide each day and emphasized that reducing single-use plastics is one of the most immediate ways to lower carbon emissions.
According to the group’s presentation, South Koreans use about 420 plastic bags per person annually. If just 10% of the population reduced their usage, 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions could be cut — equivalent to planting over 6.7 million trees.
Participants who signed a Carbon Neutrality Pledge received reusable shopping bags made from Tyvek, an eco-friendly, recyclable material that is durable for multiple uses.
Inspiring Citizen Participation Through Learning
To make the event both informative and interactive, volunteers hosted environmental quizzes, such as proper recycling tests and carbon reduction OX quizzes. Citizens enjoyed learning while having fun, deepening their understanding of sustainable waste management.
They were also introduced to the “Climate Militia” (기후의병) app, which rewards eco-friendly behavior with carbon points convertible into local currency. Many participants joined the program on-site, demonstrating strong enthusiasm for environmental action.
Volunteer Park Eun-hye (53, Haan-dong, Gwangmyeong) shared,
“When I explained that the daily amount of waste equals 30,000 city buses, many citizens were shocked. Even one reusable bag can prevent hundreds of plastic bags from being used — that’s never a small act.”
Resident Lee Da-jin (32, Sohadong) added,
“I didn’t know plastic bags could take up to 100 years to decompose. I often use them, but now I’ll make it a habit to use the reusable bag I received today.”
Building a Culture of Sustainable Living
A representative of the Gwangmyeong Branch said,
“Our goal isn’t just to hand out reusable bags, but to help citizens become active participants in protecting the environment. Small individual actions can make Gwangmyeong a truly green city.”
The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangmyeong Branch plans to continue its carbon neutrality volunteer efforts throughout the year. Later in October, the branch will collaborate with the local Disabled Persons’ Association for a “Warmth Sharing” volunteer event, reinforcing its ongoing mission to serve the community and protect the environment.
Source: https://vo.la/Cxvo468
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