[Field Sketch] Giving New Life to Plastic: Hope in a Recycled Flowerpot - May in South Korea: Family Month Event
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■ A Month to Cherish Family, A Time to Protect the Earth
May is recognized as "Family Month" in South Korea—a time to celebrate relationships with loved ones through occasions like Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, and Couples’ Day. It is a month to reflect on family and express appreciation for those who matter most. But in this warm and cheerful season, we are also faced with a pressing question: What kind of environment will our families inherit in the future? The climate crisis is no longer a distant concern.Rising temperatures arriving earlier each year, increasingly unpredictable rainfall, frequent wildfires, and fine dust pollution are now part of our daily lives—threatening not only our quality of life but even the safety of our homes. In this Family Month, why not take time to explore simple, everyday actions that families can take to address the climate crisis together? On Saturday, May 17, Climatus College participated in the “Round and Round” family festival held at Gimpo Art Village, where we hosted a special hands-on activity booth titled “Create Your Companion Plant.”
Participants included families, children, and individuals of all ages. They took part in a hands-on activity planting air-purifying plants in upcycled planters made from discarded plastic film that would otherwise have been thrown away. More than just a simple craft, the activity offered participants a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of resource circulation and the need for ecological transformation—by giving new value to waste materials through creative reuse. The home is more than just a place to live; it can be a powerful starting point for climate action. Participants created their own upcycled planters, gave names to their plants, and thoughtfully considered where to place them in their homes—each step helping them form a personal connection with their new “plant companion.” Through this process, families shared ideas for practical, home-based climate actions they could apply in everyday life. Especially impactful was the sight of children working side by side with their parents—planting, decorating, and caring for their upcycled planters—gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and the value of resources. This activity served as a valuable opportunity to foster intergenerational environmental awareness and empathy.
According to a 2024 survey by Save the Children, 90.8% of children and adolescents in South Korea expressed concern about the climate crisis. Similarly, a 2023 survey by Good Neighbors found that 78% recognized the severity of the issue, and more than half (51.7%) believed that the climate crisis infringes on children's rights. In particular, it was seen as directly affecting their right to health (79.4%), the right to life (74.1%), and the right to development (61.8%). The environment and decisions shaped by today’s adult generation will become the lived reality of the next. What we pass down to future generations must go beyond material wealth — it must be clear skies, clean air, resilient forest ecosystems, and a sustainable future that everyone can enjoy together. Climatus College will continue to promote meaningful, accessible, and community-based climate action programs that families and citizens can easily participate in as part of their daily lives. Through small yet meaningful actions, we strive to cultivate climate awareness and a shared sense of responsibility across generations. We hope that the small patch of green we have created will inspire climate awareness and a sense of responsible citizenship.
