On the morning of September 15, 2024, 31 ASEZ STAR volunteers—including middle and high school students from across Massachusetts, their parents, and Brockton residents—gathered at D.W. Field Park to carry out the ASEZ STAR Green World Project. The Green World Project is one of four major activities that ASEZ STAR volunteers conduct in their communities to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #14, ‘Protection of Marine Ecosystems,’ and #15, ‘Protection of Terrestrial Ecosystems.’ By the end of the cleanup, volunteers collected six bags of plastic waste and trash, totaling 36 pounds.
D.W. Field Park is located in Brockton, the sixth-largest city in Massachusetts, is popular for recreational activities. However, waste has accumulated around the pond, forest, fields, and walkways. Volunteers cleared pollutants from the park entrance, Upper Porter Pond, and Tower Hill. Meanwhile, community members visited the ASEZ STAR tent to learn about the global impact.
Community Support and Encouragement for Environmental Efforts
Detective Miranda from the Brockton Police Department stopped by to show support on behalf of the Brockton Park Commissioner. He addressed the volunteers, saying, “The Brockton Park Commissioner appreciates you all coming out, and on behalf of the community, we love to see this. We all want to see a clean park.” Additionally, Detective Miranda took the time to learn more about ASEZ STAR and its worldwide initiatives.
Massachusetts State Representative Rita Mendes also joined the event, experiencing the ASEZ STAR panels and engaging with the students. Impressed by their dedication, she shared gratitude for their commitment to environmental protection. Mendes also shared encouragement with the ASEZ STAR students around the globe. She said, “To all the students and all the people that are coming and engaging in this organization, know that what you’re doing, and the fruits of your labors are not in vain, and that it really impacts not just your community but all the generations moving forward.”
ASEZ STAR volunteers will continue raising awareness about climate change, making small efforts to create a big impact in protecting the environment. Jayce Watley, an 8th-grade student and ASEZ STAR member, shared, “Today I learned how important it is to keep our environment clean because now when someone visits, they will see the park as a safe place.”
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