Purpose and Background
Gangnam-gu is a vibrant and trendy district in Seoul, known for its stylish boutiques, cafes, and walkable streets. While the area appears clean at first glance, our goal was to uncover and remove hidden litter and raise public awareness about urban waste. This initiative was part of our broader commitment to building environmentally conscious communities through direct action and local engagement.
Activity Overview
Equipped with tongs, gloves, and biodegradable trash bags, our team walked a 0.99 km route through side alleys, sidewalks, and public walkways. Over the course of 20 minutes, we collected a total of 85 pieces of trash. The path was selected based on foot traffic and potential litter accumulation zones.
One of the most memorable moments was when a resident stopped to thank us, expressing surprise at the amount of waste hidden in everyday spaces. This reaction reaffirmed our belief that environmental efforts aren’t just about removing trash, but about sparking reflection and conversation.
Waste Composition Analysis
The collected waste was categorized and analyzed as follows:
| Type of Waste | Quantity | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | 22 | 25.9% |
| PET Bottles | 7 | 8.2% |
| Styrofoam | 7 | 8.2% |
| Cans | 3 | 3.5% |
| Miscellaneous (plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, etc.) | 46 | 54.2% (estimated) |
Paper waste was the most dominant, likely from discarded flyers, receipts, or disposable drink holders. PET bottles and Styrofoam also formed a significant portion, reflecting the area’s heavy use of takeaway and single-use products. A large amount of unclassified plastic, especially cigarette butts and snack wrappers, made up the rest—highlighting how small, unnoticed items contribute to environmental damage over time.
Community Engagement and Response
The cleanup prompted several positive interactions with residents. A few passersby asked how they could join future efforts, and one mentioned they had never realized how much waste had accumulated in their neighborhood. These conversations showed that public cleaning can serve as both a physical and psychological reset for the community—making people more aware of their surroundings and their behaviors.
Looking Ahead
This event marked our second cleanup operation in Gangnam-gu, and we are committed to making this a weekly activity in different neighborhoods. Beyond picking up trash, we aim to collect data on waste patterns, build a volunteer network, and inspire a culture of everyday environmental responsibility.
Our long-term vision is to promote collective ownership of public spaces—where clean streets aren’t just maintained by city workers, but by residents who feel connected to their environment. Through small, consistent actions, we believe larger cultural shifts are possible.
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