On April 27, 2025, the ASEZ Earth Day Cleanup brought together students and community members to clean the local area around Lehman College. In celebration of Earth Day, volunteers took part in activities such as litter collection and graffiti removal. These efforts aimed to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment while encouraging university students to become more involved in their community.
The event focused on four key areas: environmental restoration, community engagement, crime prevention, and educational outreach. Volunteers worked together to clean up local streets, picking up litter and removing graffiti. These actions helped create a healthier environment, making the area more pleasant for everyone. By focusing on cleaning up public spaces, participants not only improved the neighborhood’s appearance but also helped reduce crime by addressing signs of neglect. This approach supports the idea that taking care of our environment can lead to safer, stronger communities. Additionally, the event encouraged a sense of responsibility among participants, showing the importance of being active in their community and teaching others about the value of keeping their surroundings clean.
Turning Earth Day Into Action for a Better Neighborhood
The event helped build a sense of civic responsibility by encouraging both students and local residents to get involved and take pride in keeping their neighborhood clean. It also aligned with the ASEZ Crime Prevention projects, which improve safety by addressing signs of neglect, such as graffiti and litter. This approach helps create a safer, more welcoming environment for all.
The cleanup made a noticeable difference, removing litter and graffiti from the area and improving both the appearance and safety of the neighborhood. “By participating in these cleanups, I feel like I’m building resilience—not getting discouraged by the fact that things might get dirty again, but instead seeing it as an opportunity to inspire hope in the community, encouraging others to keep our neighborhood clean and work toward a graffiti-free environment,” said Ivelisse Almonte, a Baruch College student.
To view more ASEZ activities, please click here.
