Spiritus Stories: Eco Guardians of GEC

Cleaning Up with Purpose at GEC

This past weekend, we took part in a three-hour cleanup project at the Glocal Education Center (GEC). Located in a lively part of the city, GEC is a place where students, teachers, and local residents cross paths every day. With so many people moving through the space, we wanted to do our part in making the environment cleaner, safer, and more pleasant for everyone.

What We Did

Armed with trash bags and tongs, we began our cleanup in the late morning. Our group spread out to cover several key areas: the front plaza, outdoor seating zones, sidewalks along the nearby roads, and shaded corners that often go unnoticed.

As we walked, we picked up dozens of small but harmful items such as plastic wrappers, cigarette filters, empty cans, broken pens, and leftover paper scraps. In total, we collected several bags of trash. It was eye-opening to see how quickly litter can build up in spaces we usually walk past without thinking.

Observations and Takeaways

While cleaning, we began to notice patterns, where the most trash gathered, what types of items were most common, and how even clean looking spaces still hid waste in corners and under benches.

More importantly, we realized how easy it is to overlook the condition of shared spaces when no one takes responsibility. This small act of care helped us slow down and see the campus through a different lens. Not just as students or volunteers, but as stewards of a shared environment.

Connecting with Others

Throughout the morning, we were greeted by passersby, some thanked us, others stopped to ask about the cleanup. One person offered a bottle of water as encouragement. These small exchanges reminded us that community effort can inspire others and open up conversations about civic responsibility, even between strangers.

Why It Mattered

Although it may seem like a minor act, cleaning up trash helped us build a stronger connection to our surroundings. Our efforts made a real visual difference, and hopefully left a positive impression on those who saw us.

More importantly, the experience emphasized that respecting shared spaces begins with individual action and when those actions are multiplied by a group, the impact can extend far beyond the surface.

Looking Ahead

This won’t be the last time we participate in a cleanup, and we hope to see more students join in next time.
Even three hours can lead to something meaningful, not just for the space we cleaned, but for our own mindset as well. At GEC, we learned that taking care of the places we live and learn is one of the simplest ways to give back.