ASEZ WAO in Arizona, U.S. Cleans Area Around Tucson Rillito River

The Rillito River region in Tucson, Arizona, U.S. is often severely polluted due to the heaps of trash carried by frequent flooding. On January 12, more than 150 ASEZ WAO members from Tucson, Phoenix, and other neighboring cities, joined together to carry out a massive cleanup around the Rillito River. Even ASEZ WAO members from South Korea flew all the way to Arizona to introduce and participate in the “No More GPGP” (Great Pacific Garbage Patch) campaign.

The non-profit environmental organization, Tucson Clean & Beautiful, lent a helping hand by providing the members with tools and equipment essential for the cleanup. Additionally, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] to express their cooperation and support for ASEZ WAO activities for a cleaner environment. The representative for Tucson Clean & Beautiful not only showed great interest, but also actively volunteered in the cleanup.

On that day, ASEZ WAO collected about 2 tons [4,000 lb]) of plastic waste. Local news channels such as KGUN9 and KOLD News broadcasted the event and were amazed at the members by saying, “They work without sparing their efforts.” Dennis, an ASEZ WAO member from Tucson, urged the global community to share the same concerns about the plastic issue, saying, “Making a safe and clean environment for everyone is easier when we do it together.”

There is a saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” ASEZ WAO will continue to contribute toward a sustainable future by carrying out the “No More GPGP” campaign with local communities throughout the world to solve the plastic issue.