Approximately 400 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated worldwide each year. Only about 9 percent is recycled, while the rest pollutes the planet and threatens ecosystems.

As the Earth faces the growing danger of becoming one enormous trash can, the International WeLoveU Foundation (WeLoveU) is expanding its educational outreach to raise awareness of environmental issues. It is doing so through WeLoveU School’s “Small Steps of Global Citizens: Clean WORLD Movement to Empty the Earth’s Trash Can.”

The enthusiasm generated by last year’s environmental education program in the Seoul metropolitan area continued into the Chungcheong region this February. Held over three days—February 22, 23, and 25—WeLoveU School’s first “Small Steps of Global Citizens” program of 2026 brought together middle and high school students from Daejeon and Asan. The program was filled with the passion of young people committed to thinking about the future of our planet.

A Real Environmental Lesson—Learning Through Experience and Empathy

WeLoveU School’s “Small Steps of Global Citizens” is a hands-on program that helps students go beyond merely understanding environmental issues intellectually. It encourages them to feel the urgency of these issues, take them to heart, and put what they learn into action.

When a teacher asked, “Where does the waste we casually throw away end up?” the students engaged in lively discussions. As they examined the complex process of waste disposal, they came to understand the seriousness of the problem. Working in teams, they also researched environmental issues in countries around the world and presented their findings, naturally developing a global perspective.¹

1. Recognizing that one’s actions are connected to environmental issues around the world and viewing the Earth as one shared community. ↩︎

The students reflected, “I thought the Earth was clean, but I learned that it is actually becoming one enormous dumping ground,” and, “I realized that the waste I throw away without much thought eventually comes back to me.” They pledged to take small but meaningful steps for the environment.

The “Yarn Network” activity received the most enthusiastic response. The students tossed a ball of yarn to one another, forming an intricate web. When one student tugged on the yarn, everyone felt the vibration through the strands in their hands. “Wow, we really are all connected!” they exclaimed.

By communicating closely with the students and explaining the material in a way that was easy for them to understand, the teachers completely dispelled the notion that classes have to be boring. The students expressed their appreciation for the teachers’ engaging instruction, saying, “The teachers explained everything so clearly that I was able to think more deeply about environmental issues,” and, “The class was so enjoyable that everything I learned really sank in.”

There is a special reason the program focuses on students. Environmental education can have a positive and lasting influence during adolescence, a formative period when personal values are taking shape.

The results of a post-program survey clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the education. Most students came to recognize that environmental issues are closely connected to their own lives, and this awareness led to meaningful changes in their values and attitudes.

Based on responses of “Strongly Agree” and “Agree.”

We Are Changing—Becoming Global Citizens

“I realized that the waste I throw away without much thought could cause devastating harm to someone on the other side of the world.”

Joo Eun-woo

“After learning about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, I realized how serious the problem is. From now on, I will make a genuine effort to care for the environment.”

Lee Hyun-seong

“I learned how important it is to reduce the use of disposable products. I will actively put what I learned into practice.”

Kim Han-gyeol

“The waste problem is far more serious than I expected. I realized that each person’s effort is essential.”

Kim Ji-min

“I gained confidence that we can create a sustainable planet through our own actions. I will do my part to build a better future.”

Hyun Jong-won

“I learned that small actions can make a big difference. Even when it is a little inconvenient, I will take action for the environment.”

Jeon Yeon-ji

WeLoveU will continue its Small Steps of Global Citizens educational program so that future generations can live on a healthy planet. The small steps taken today by students in the Chungcheong region will become the beginning of change toward a cleaner Earth tomorrow.

WeLoveU will continue taking steps to empty the Earth’s trash can.