Uljin-gun Volunteers Lead the Way to a Carbon-Neutral City

Outstanding Program Development Contest Winner

NO Plastic! Clean Up with Your Dog

Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province held a volunteer activity called 'NO Plastic! Clean Up with Daengdaengi' at Hujeong Beach on June 29, 2024. Over 100 participants, including local volunteer groups and families with companion dogs, joined the event, which was selected as part of the 2024 Gyeongbuk Province Excellent Volunteer Program Development Contest.

Volunteers from Uljin County who picked up trash and promoted dog etiquette campaigns while walking with their pets.

This program was designed to address social issues in the community, such as companion animals and marine waste. Participants walked with their pets, picked up trash, and took part in a companion dog etiquette campaign. Various experience booths were also operated as part of the event.

On the day of the event, companion dogs, their owners, and local volunteers collected a large amount of trash from all over Hujeong Beach. The collected waste that could be upcycled was sorted separately, drawing attention for the diverse activities carried out.

The separated PET bottles were disinfected on the spot and filled with eco-friendly dishwashing detergent. This activity, which involved a local zero-waste company, was promoted so that even after the event ended, participants could continue to take part in carbon-neutral practices.

Participants also experienced turning PET bottle caps into keychains, providing valuable carbon-neutral education for children, the next generation. The collected glass bottles were heated and transformed into necklaces, which was a popular hands-on activity among companion dog families, volunteers, and tourists alike.

One volunteer who participated with their companion dog said, "It was a rewarding experience to volunteer and take part in environmental protection while walking my dog."

County Governor Son Byungbok said, "Overcoming the climate crisis is a responsibility that requires collective effort. I am grateful to the volunteers and local environmental activists who have taken the lead for carbon neutrality," adding, "I hope that all residents, along with volunteers, will take an interest and participate."