On January 19, 2025, ASEZ WAO held its 10th Environmental Forum at the Church of God in Newport News, Virginia. This forum supported ASEZ WAO’s global campaign No More GPGP that focuses on plastic reduction and sustainability. A total of 108 people attended, including local officials, environmental experts, students, and community members.
Expert Talks on Climate, Air Quality, and Sustainable Materials
The forum featured three expert speakers who shared their knowledge on key environmental topics. Dr. Ali Omar, Senior Scientist at NASA Langley Research Center, opened the session by discussing the effects of climate change and rising global temperatures. He explained simple ways that individuals and communities can help protect the planet. Dr. Hazem Mahmoud, Earth Scientist at NASA Langley, followed with a talk about air quality and how tracking atmospheric changes supports sustainable development. Susan Pilato, Principal of PC&A Business Environments, shared how the materials we use—especially in the furniture industry—can either help or harm the environment.
No More GPGP
ASEZ WAO also introduced its global campaign, No More GPGP, part of its larger Take Action Project. The campaign raises awareness about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and the danger of ocean plastic pollution. Attendees learned that this garbage patch holds more than 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing around 80,000 tons. The campaign encourages people, companies, and governments to reduce single-use plastic and adopt more sustainable habits.
To close the event, ASEZ WAO volunteers gave a musical performance, including “You Raise Me Up,” the Korean song “Beautiful Country,” and an original piece titled “No More GPGP.” The music reminded everyone of the power of unity and hope in solving global problems.
Taking Initiative to Reduce Plastic
One attendee, Gloria Philips, shared, “It’s changed my outlook tremendously. Seeing the effects that plastic have on our entire society, on our entire world, and even us as human beings. I really want to be the one that takes the initiative to reduce the use of plastic and other harmful materials that are harming our environment.”
Speaker Susan Pilato added, “It just takes a small thoughtful group of people to make a huge difference in the world. It’s a wave, right? You start talking and you start thinking. And you are action-oriented people so I can tell you’re going to make a big difference.”
Through events like this, ASEZ WAO continues to raise awareness, promote action, and support global efforts to protect the environment. To view more ASEZ WAO activities, please click here.
