On May 25, 2025, ASEZ volunteers and community members gathered at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Corona, NY. The event combined a forum discussion with a lake cleanup focused on sustainable solutions for plastic pollution. Its goal was to raise awareness about environmental protection and climate change while taking direct action to improve the park’s ecosystem.
During the cleanup, volunteers collected 76 bags of trash and removed extensive debris from the park’s lake area. These efforts created a cleaner environment for the community and raised awareness about protecting local ecosystems.
Discussing Solutions and Taking Action
The forum featured speakers including Dr. Latisha T. Williams, Professor at Queens College; Dr. Muoi Trinh, Director of Environmental Sustainability at Mt. Sinai; and Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny. They shared insights on plastic pollution’s impact and how individuals can make a difference in daily life.
Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny, representing District 46 in Brooklyn, presented a proclamation recognizing ASEZ’s cleanup efforts in his district. He encouraged university student volunteers to continue leading environmental protection initiatives. He said, “It’s up to us, it’s actually up to your generation.”
Community Commitment to a Cleaner Future
Councilmember Julie Won and Michael Guerrero highlighted the importance of the event. An MOU was signed by Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny and Dr. Latisha Williams to support ongoing collaboration. One citation stated: “Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Assembly member Alex Brook-Krasny of the 46th Assembly District, do hereby recognize and commend ASEZ for its tireless efforts to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for all, and I extend my best wishes for continued success in the Zero Plastic 2040 Campaign.”
Senator Ramos praised the youth-led cleanup, saying, “I’m proud to recognize the work of youth-led movements like ASEZ and community-driven organizations like the World Mission Society Church of God. We’re honoring Earth Day with a hands-on cleanup at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, because everyone is a steward of the Earth, and we each play a role in its upkeep. This is our home. Environmental justice starts here in Queens, in New York City, and across our state. Let’s meet young people where they are and fight alongside them. Let’s meet our communities with what they need and build the tools that will get us there: for clean air, green jobs, and a livable future for all.”
Solutions for Plastic Pollution
One volunteer shared, “I learned a lot from the speakers today. The statistics on plastic pollution and its impact were shocking to me. At the same time, I’m encouraged by what one person can do in their daily life. I’m determined to stop using single-use plastic bottles at all from today.”
Dr. Williams emphasized, “Removing pollution gives the ecosystem an opportunity to bounce back. If you just do one thing today, that is, tell one person in Queens that this is a unique ecosystem and it needs to be protected, you have no idea how much you are going to impact this world.”
Sustaining the Zero Plastic 2040 Campaign
Finally, this event was part of the ASEZ Zero Plastic 2040 Campaign. Its mission focuses on reducing plastic pollution and fostering a healthier environment for future generations. Volunteers, students, and community members left motivated to take ongoing action for environmental protection.
To view more ASEZ activities in New York, please click here.
