The Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch conducted a targeted environmental cleanup and market merchant outreach program at Malbau Market on April 9. This initiative, titled "Nature, Let's Be Green – Making Malbau Market a Clean Market Day," is part of an ongoing community service effort started in February, with volunteers visiting the traditional market once or twice every month. During the latest activity, members collected waste across high-density trash accumulation sites and parking areas, while actively raising awareness regarding proper waste disposal practices. The event directly aligns with local municipal regulations designed to improve regional cleanliness. Additionally, 200 local citizens and market vendors participated in a dialogue campaign intended to foster mutual understanding and support within the commercial district.
Event Overview
Date, Location, and Core Purpose of the Activity
The environmental cleanup took place on April 9 at Malbau Market, located in Buk-gu, Gwangju. The project was organized and executed by the Gwangju Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group. The primary objective was to eliminate illegally dumped waste around key commercial locations, support local waste compliance regulations, and facilitate communication between vendors and visitors. By maintaining a regular presence at the traditional market—visiting one to two times each month since February—the organization aims to establish a cleaner and more sustainable commercial environment for both merchants and shoppers.
Main Activities
Environmental Cleanup and Waste Collection Details
During the event, volunteers focused their cleanup operations on two main parking lots and several chronic illegal dumping zones surrounding local storefronts. The team gathered cigarette butts, general household garbage, and various discarded items, accumulating a total volume of 800 liters of waste. Alongside the physical collection, volunteers systematically inspected areas vulnerable to illegal dumping to evaluate ongoing environmental conditions and identify locations requiring regular upkeep.
Distribution of Waste Disposal Guidelines
To address root causes of market clutter, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch conducted an informational campaign explaining legal garbage disposal methods. Volunteers handed out food waste disposal stickers and daily supplies directly to market merchants. This effort coincides with Buk-gu district's plan, announced for pilot implementation across 400 stores starting in September, requiring named stickers on waste receptacles. Under this front-door collection system, designated garbage bags containing mixed food waste or lacking official business store stickers will not be collected by municipal services. The volunteers encouraged merchants to adopt voluntary compliance to prepare for these enforcement standards.
Key Messages and Responses
Vendor Communication and Civic Engagement Campaign
In addition to sanitation efforts, the Gwangju Branch facilitated the "Annyeong Campaign" (Hello Campaign), a communication platform designed to gather feedback from local residents and market workers. A total of 200 citizens participated in the survey and dialogue sessions. Volunteers asked merchants about phrases they hope to hear from customers, as well as the operational difficulties and personal expectations they encounter while running their businesses.
Market vendors expressed appreciation for the cleanup and shared their perspectives on daily market interactions. One merchant noted that illegally dumped waste is frequent, yet few individuals take responsibility for clearing it, expressing gratitude toward the volunteers. Another vendor mentioned feeling dispirited when customers frequently complain about rising prices, sharing that gentler words from shoppers would help improve the daily working environment for merchants.
Meaning of the Event
Alignment with Local Administrative Goals
The activity held by the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch reinforced local public waste management strategies by encouraging structured waste separation among commercial operators. A representative from the Gwangju Branch stated that through continuous environmental sanitation and the promotion of proper waste disposal habits, the group hopes Malbau Market becomes a more pleasant space. The representative added that the organization will continue listening to the voices of local vendors and citizens in future initiatives.
The recent cleanup at Malbau Market demonstrates how regular volunteer activities can directly address urban sanitation issues while supporting municipal waste policies. By combining physical waste collection with structured civic dialogue, the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Gwangju Branch helped improve the local market environment.
What steps do you think traditional markets can take to maintain clean environments and build stronger relationships with local customers? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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