ASEZ WAO Cleans Up Trafford: A Green Earth Initiative

Young Professionals from ASEZ WAO Revitalise Trafford with ‘Green Earth’ Cleanup

On Sunday, 26 April, members of ASEZ WAO, the Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group of the World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Joo-cheol Kim), Manchester branch, conducted a major cleanup in Trafford as part of their ‘Green Earth’ project, transforming the local environment into a pristine space.

The ‘Green Earth’ project is a global environmental initiative dedicated to restoring healthy terrestrial ecosystems. It focuses on cleaning up polluted streets, parks, urban centres, and mountains, while raising public awareness about the vital importance of biodiversity.

“Picking up litter on the streets is more than just a local service; it is a practical step toward ensuring a sustainable future for our entire planet,” said an ASEZ WAO representative.

Approximately 40 volunteers, including ASEZ WAO members and local residents, covered a 2 km stretch encompassing the tram station areas from Old Trafford to Sale.

Their efforts resulted in the collection of 25 bags of waste and bulkier items, ranging from food packaging and cigarette butts to household items and discarded shopping trolleys. Commuters and residents around the tram stations responded with warm smiles and words of encouragement as the area underwent a visible transformation.

In recognition of the initiative, Councillor Sarah Haughey of Longford Ward expressed her gratitude, stating: “We are incredibly grateful, and I am sure that our residents are (grateful) that the area is looking much cleaner. I like the ethos of what you are doing. It’s great when you bring people together; churches and faiths are really important in communities. You bring people together for the greater good, and I am all for that.”

Trafford Council further supported the project by providing essential supplies, including industrial-strength refuse bags.

Participating volunteers shared their sense of accomplishment. Olivia Smith, who joined the cleanup with a bright smile, said:

“I felt great because I was able to help tidy up our local community, making it look nicer for spring and creating a happier environment for all the children who will be spending more time outdoors during the summer. It also gave me a sense of pride knowing I was contributing positively to the place where we live.”

Zhanna Kalashnikova added: “It was rewarding to see the immediate difference our efforts made, and I’m glad we could help keep Trafford clean.”

ASEZ WAO has a long-standing presence in Greater Manchester, having previously conducted ‘Green Earth’ cleanups at various tram stations, Reddish Vale Country Park, and Shrewsbury Street.

Beyond waste collection, the group has also spearheaded the ‘Mother’s Forest’ project, a global tree-planting initiative designed to combat climate change, with activities at Mersey Vale Nature Park and Dukes Drive Park. Their community outreach also extends to social welfare, including visiting nursing homes to support those in need.

In recognition of their dedicated service to the environment and the community, ASEZ WAO has been appointed as a Green World Ambassador by the Green Organisation, an international environmental body. They have received prestigious accolades, including the Green World Award, the Green Apple Award, and the Salford City Mayor’s Citizen Award.