On Friday, July 19, a coalition of local businesses and Korean influencer Kingo united to participate in a plogging event along the Bird Island Hike Trail.
Doyi Kim, President of Pacific Eco Laundry, reported that 24 staff members from various local businesses, along with Kingo, managed to collect 21 trash bags full of waste during the cleanup. The collected items included plastic bottles, beer and soda cans, plastic packaging, snack wrappers, discarded fishnets, and other plastic debris.
Kim praised Kingo for his significant contribution to the event, noting that he introduced the group to plogging, a popular trend in South Korea. Plogging, which combines jogging or walking with litter collection, is gaining traction for its dual benefits of enhancing physical fitness and promoting environmental care.
“Kingo’s participation was a great asset to our cleanup efforts. His enthusiasm for plogging and his deep connection to Saipan, having visited the island four times, brought added motivation to our team. In Korea, plogging has become a significant trend, combining environmental consciousness with a healthy lifestyle,” Kim explained.
The decision to focus on the Bird Island Hike Trail was driven by the area’s popularity among tourists and residents, as well as its stunning views from the mountain observatory. Despite its appeal, the trail’s beach area often suffers from significant littering.
“Many visitors are shocked by the amount of trash they encounter at the beach. Given the area’s remoteness and the infrequency of beach cleanups, we organized this effort to help preserve the trail’s natural beauty and ensure it remains an attractive destination,” Kim said.
Kim also highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Korean community and Saipan business owners, who frequently organize beach cleanups to support local beautification initiatives. These events not only help maintain the cleanliness of Saipan’s beaches but also foster a sense of community and environmental responsibility.
“These initiatives are crucial for preserving our coastal areas’ natural beauty and enhancing community engagement. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in these regular events, aimed at creating a cleaner and more welcoming environment for all,” Kim added.
Kim extended her gratitude to the participants and supporters of the Bird Island trail beach cleanup, including Kingo (@kingo1398), Saipan Adventure Manager Dada Park, SASAMO Manager Tom Jang, Himawari Restaurant CEO Atsumi Kitagawa, CK Smoke House & Salad Supervisor Andrew Estepa, Bada Art Cafe Manager Sarah Lee, Loco Taco CEO Mickey Kim, and Monster Pizza Pub CEO James Kim.
“Together, we are making a positive impact on preserving the natural beauty of Saipan’s beaches and fostering a sense of community. Thank you for your dedication to environmental stewardship and community involvement,” Kim concluded.