On the afternoon of the 18th March, the Masan branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group (branch manager Sung-bok Cho) raised awareness in the local community by launching the 'Start of the Sea' campaign in the Hapseong neighbourhood area as part of a joint carbon neutrality movement.
This activity focused on raising awareness of the negative effects of cigarette butts on the marine ecosystem and promoting the importance of the marine debris problem by carrying out various activities to prevent this.
According to the international marine organisation Ocean Conservation Trust, the most commonly found litter in the ocean is cigarette butts, accounting for about 21% of all marine litter. Cigarette butt filters are mainly made of plastic, so when they naturally decompose, they are converted into microplastics that cause serious damage to the marine ecosystem.
Accordingly, the Masan branch of Shincheonji Volunteer Group encouraged active participation from the local community through activities such as cleaning storm drains, applying stickers, collecting cigarette butts, and cleaning up litter in the area. These activities were further expanded through collaboration with organisations and contributed to strengthening the influence of the campaign.
About 40 volunteer group members and local citizens who participated in the campaign used promotional materials such as banners and brochures to spread the message of the environmental clean-up campaign. In addition, the meaning of the campaign was put into practice by cleaning the area around the synthetic building using prepared plastic gloves and waste refuse bags.
This campaign, which was conducted as part of efforts to sustainably preserve marine resources, one of the UN's sustainable development goals, received great response within the local community.
The Masan branch is receiving a positive evaluation that this activity has provided an opportunity for the local community to recognise the importance of marine protection and take concrete action.