[Field Sketch] Change Made Possible Together – World Environment Day > 게시글

■ Beat Plastic Pollution : The Time to Act Is Now

World Environment Day, established at the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, is a meaningful occasion where the global community reaffirms its commitment to environmental protection. This year, the official theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” was highlighted through a national event held in Korea. The focus was on the severity of plastic pollution and the urgent need for systemic transformation. Plastic used once and thoughtlessly discarded is no longer just “waste.” It threatens our sustainable future by polluting soil, oceans, and the air we breathe. In particular, non-recycled plastic breaks down into microplastics, which return to us through food and ecosystems. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) calls plastic a "dilemma material", stressing the need for fundamental change across the entire lifecycle of production, consumption, and disposal.

■ Rediscovering Value in the Discarded

Circular resource use means minimizing waste and reusing or recycling materials to reduce environmental impact. To mark World Environment Day, the university student climate activists of Climatus College’s U-SAVERS organized a special education program on the issue of plastic waste and the importance of circularity as one key solution. The program, held in partnership with the Big Tree School Community Child Center, guided youth participants through the problems of everyday waste and the value of resource circulation. They also took part in an upcycling activity, transforming discarded vinyl banners into multi-purpose pouches. Through this hands-on experience, the children discovered that waste can be given new life—and more importantly, that “a heart that cherishes the Earth can turn into meaningful action.” Environmental protection doesn't always start with something big. Throwing away less, and choosing to reuse—those small daily decisions can collectively grow into powerful action for the planet.