Cleaning Up with Purpose at the Glocal Education Center
Taking Action for a Cleaner Campus
This past weekend, our Spiritus team joined a three-hour cleanup project at the Glocal Education Center (GEC). Located in one of the city’s busiest areas, GEC is a place where students, teachers, and residents meet and learn together. With so much daily activity, we wanted to contribute to making the environment cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone who passes through.
What We Did
Equipped with trash bags, gloves, and tongs, we began our cleanup in the late morning. Our group spread out to cover several main areas: the front plaza, outdoor seating spaces, sidewalks along nearby streets, and shaded corners that often go unnoticed.
As we moved through these areas, we collected countless small but harmful items such as plastic wrappers, cigarette filters, empty cans, broken pens, and scraps of paper. By the end, we had gathered several full bags of trash. It was surprising to see how quickly litter can build up in spaces we walk past every day without noticing.
Observations and Takeaways
While cleaning, we began to see patterns—where litter tended to accumulate and what types of waste appeared most frequently. Even spaces that looked clean at first often hid trash in corners or under benches.
More importantly, we realized how easily people overlook shared spaces when no one takes responsibility. This small act of care helped us slow down and notice the environment in a new way. We stopped seeing GEC just as a campus and began to see it as a shared community space that everyone plays a part in maintaining.
Connecting with Others
Throughout the cleanup, we were greeted by passersby. Some offered words of encouragement, others paused to thank us or ask about our project. One person even handed us a bottle of water with a smile. These simple interactions reminded us how collective action can inspire others and create unexpected connections between strangers.
Even a small gesture, like saying thank you or showing curiosity, can help spread awareness about civic responsibility and environmental care.
Why It Mattered
Though the cleanup lasted only a few hours, it made a visible difference. Walkways looked brighter, benches were clear, and the air felt fresher. Beyond the physical change, the experience deepened our connection to the space and to one another.
We learned that respect for shared spaces begins with individual action. When those actions come together through teamwork, their impact extends far beyond what can be seen.
Looking Ahead
This cleanup was just the beginning. We plan to return for more projects and hope to see more students join next time. Even a short effort can lead to meaningful change—not only for the environment but for our own perspective as well.
At GEC, we were reminded that taking care of the places we live and learn is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to give back.
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