On Sunday, November 16, 2025, ninety ASEZ WAO volunteers worked together to remove 1,125 pounds of trash from Cedar Grove Beach in Staten Island. Staff from Assemblymember Michael Tannousis’ office also visited the site. Their support encouraged the volunteers as they picked up plastic bottles and other debris scattered across the beach.
This event supported ASEZ WAO’s global “No More GPGP” campaign. The campaign raises awareness about plastic pollution and helps prevent the Great Pacific Garbage Patch from growing. It encourages people to form sustainable habits and choose small actions that protect the environment. Because of this, local efforts can create steady, positive impact on a global scale.
Taking Local Action for Global Impact
Volunteers spread across the sand, working in teams to remove waste that harmed the natural setting. They collected items trapped under driftwood, buried in the sand, or scattered along the tide line. Each bag filled showed how much trash had washed onto the beach over time.
Assemblymember Michael Tannousis said, “I am proud to partner with ASEZ WAO and the World Mission Society Church of God for this meaningful cleanup effort at Cedar Grove Beach. Keeping our shoreline clean is essential to protecting Staten Island’s natural environment and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. I am grateful to the volunteers who are dedicating their time to this cause. Their commitment reflects the very best of our community.”
An ASEZ WAO volunteer added, “Cleaning Cedar Grove Beach today showed how much we can accomplish when the community comes together. Working alongside Assemblyman Tannousis motivates us even more to protect our coastline and keep Staten Island beautiful.”
Continuing the Mission
The beach looked cleaner as the piles of trash grew near the collection point. People walking by stopped to watch and thanked the volunteers for their effort. Calm weather also made the process easier and allowed volunteers to move safely across the shoreline.
Today’s cleanup highlighted the impact of consistent community action. ASEZ WAO continues to carry out environmental activities in many cities, and each event supports a cleaner future. The group shows that protecting the planet begins in familiar places like neighborhood parks and local beaches. With steady effort and awareness, communities can reduce waste and protect their environment one cleanup at a time.
To view more ASEZ WAO volunteer events, click here.
