On Sunday, June 25, 2023, around 70 ASEZ volunteers partnered with Kean University and Lakewood Police Department to clean Lake Carasaljo in New Jersey. This cleanup honored both the ASEZ Blue Carbon Campaign and World Environment Day.
To kick off the cleanup, volunteers broke into groups to conquer various sections of Lake Carasaljo. Even in the rain, volunteers were full of smiles as they picked up garbage along the waterway. They also planted beautiful flowers along the bridge, which made the area more vibrant. In total, volunteers picked up 40 garbage bags weighing around 1,170 pounds.
Volunteering alongside the ASEZ students were Menashe Miller, Deputy Mayor of Lakewood, Katie Napoli, Assistant Director of Kean Ocean Campus Life, and Jaqueline Vargas, owner of Safi Sushi. Jaqueline Vargas said, “I decided to join today’s cleanup for my son because this is something significant that the world needs to join. We need to start saving our future and supporting our kids’ potential.”
Menashe Miller was thankful for the community help and stated, “Today’s clean up at Lake Carasaljo will impact the community in many ways. It will bring awareness of cleanliness to make the world a better place to live. Also, we at Lakewood Township would do future partnerships with ASEZ. Whatever you need from us, we are here to do it together. We are partners, and that is how it will remain.” He awarded ASEZ with a proclamation from the Township of Lakewood for their continuous dedication for the betterment of the community.
About the ABC Campaign
This event was part of the ASEZ Blue Carbon Campaign (ABC). Blue carbon is the carbon captured by coastal ecosystems. Marine ecosystems absorb greenhouse gases, which are composed of carbon dioxide, up to 50 times faster than terrestrial ecosystems. Cleaning even one ecosystem reduces carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and slows the pace of global warming.
To learn more about ASEZ events in New Jersey, please click here.
ASEZ is such a great volunteer service group! I’m impressed by their dedication to bettering the community.
Great job ASEZ! It’s inspiring to witness people actively working to clean up the Earth that we all share.
It’s good seeing the younger generation becoming involved with environmental stewardship. Doing this work when you’re young can inspire others to join too. Keep up the good work. There should be more people doing this!
Wow! This is truly an amazing contribution to the community!
I saw a video of this event online. It looked like a lot of fun. I’ve never seen an organization do a cleanup and plant flowers simultaneously. Very creative. Great job ASEZ!
Kudos to the incredible ASEZ volunteers for their outstanding efforts in making the world a cleaner and brighter place! Their dedication and hard work are truly making a positive impact on our planet. Thank you for being champions of environmental stewardship and inspiring us all to contribute to a more sustainable future! 🌍💙👏
Such a refreshing read! 👏 It’s incredibly inspiring to witness these young adults taking proactive steps to contribute to the environment through their volunteering efforts. 🌍 Their dedication and passion shine through, serving as a powerful reminder that every small act adds up to make a significant impact. Kudos to them for setting a positive example and motivating others to join the movement! 💪🏼
“I’m amazed at the amount of garbage that was removed and the impact one group’s effort made towards the environment.”
Thank you so much for your continue effort to make the world a better place. I hope others will follow your great example to slow the pace of global warming.
A heartfelt appreciation to the youth of ASEZ for their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life through campaigns. I have no doubt in my mind that this will inspire many others through the great example that you are setting for our future generation.
Working with ASEZ is always a thoughtful & engaging experience!!
All of their hard work never goes unnoticed!!!
Wow! ASEZ’s commitment to environmental initiatives, even in challenging weather, is truly commendable. Their leadership in community service brings smiles and gratitude to all. Thank you for making a positive impact!
The students are taking the lead like no other. Very proud to see this type of work. Keep it up!
What a great way to spend World Environmental Day! Thats such a beautiful park! Great job 👏
I believe this Blue Carbon campaign will be very helpful in moving us toward a more sustainable world 🌎
Thank you so much all volunteers