Businesses, Korean influencer conduct plogging on Bird Island Hike Trail

A number of businesses teamed up with Korean influencer Kingo to conduct plogging on the Bird Island Hike Trail last Friday, July 19.

Doyi Kim, Pacific Eco Laundry president, said 24 staff from a number of local businesses and Kingo were able to fill 21 trash bags of garbage during the beach cleanup.

“We gathered various types of trash comprising of plastic bottles, beer and soda cans, plastic packaging, snack wrappers, discarded fishnets, and other types of plastic debris,” she said.

Kim said Kingo was a great addition to their beach cleanup and she also taught the group about plogging, which is a fast-growing trend in South Korea.

“During our recent beach cleanup we had the pleasure of welcoming Kingo, a Korean influencer who holds a deep affection for Saipan, having visited the island four times previously. Kingo enthusiastically joined our efforts, inspired by the Korean practice known as plogging. In Korea, plogging has gained popularity for its dual benefits of fitness and environmental care. Participants jog or walk while picking up litter, not only cleaning public spaces but also promoting a healthier lifestyle.”

She added that having an influencer like Kingo join the cleanup was a wonderful example of how a simple idea like plogging can resonate globally and make a tangible impact locally.

“Their enthusiasm and commitment underscored the importance of caring for our environment while enjoying the beauty of places like Saipan’s beaches.”

As to why the group chose the Bird Island Hike Trail to do their plogging, Kim said the area is one of Saipan’s most popular spots for tourists and residents, known for its breathtaking views from the observatory above the mountain.

“However, visitors are often taken aback by the amount of litter on the beach below. Tourists are often surprised by the amount of trash they encounter when they visit. Given that the area is challenging to clean and is seldom included in beach cleanups, we decided to assemble a group to address the issue together. Our joint effort was aimed at preserving the natural beauty of Bird Island and ensuring it remains a stunning destination for everyone.”

She added the Korean community and Saipan business owners often organize beach cleanups to maintain the cleanliness of Saipan’s beaches and to support local beautification efforts.

“These initiatives not only contribute to preserving the natural beauty of our coastal areas but also foster a sense of community and environmental responsibility among residents and visitors. By working together, we aim to create a cleaner, more inviting environment for everyone to enjoy. This will certainly be a regular event, reflecting our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement,” she said.

Kim then extended our heartfelt gratitude to the following participants and supporters of the Bird Island trail Beach cleanup: Kingo (@kingo1398 and https://www.instagram.com/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 community spirit. Thank you for your commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement,” she said.