Coastal Cleanup for a World Record

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) and Izmir Metropolitan Municipality have joined forces to support the coastal cleanup movement initiated by Yaizu Chuo High School in Japan, which aims to break a Guinness World Record. Nature enthusiasts gathered at Inciraltı City Forest to participate in the “Most people to register online for a beach cleanup within one hour” category of the Guinness World Records. Participants collected paper scraps, glass bottles, and metal and plastic waste along the shore, sending an inspiring message for a sustainable and cleaner future.

The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Department of Social Services’ Disability Studies Branch and the IUE Design Research and Application Center (EKOTAM) also involved associations, schools, and students in the coastal cleanup event.

LIVE CONNECTION FROM JAPAN

During the event, representatives from Japan joined the participants in Izmir via video call. Yuichi Yaoi, Kurebayashi Kota, and Hirotaka Takashiho from Yaizu Chuo High School, along with Prof. Dr. Yasuko Takayama from Shizuoka University of Art and Culture, expressed their appreciation for the collaboration, saying, “We hope this event spreads across the world and raises awareness about environmental issues. We sincerely thank Turkey for its great contribution toward this goal.”

“WE WERE THE HOSTS FROM TURKEY”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Özcan, Head of the IUE Department of Industrial Design and Director of EKOTAM, emphasized the strong ties between Japan and Turkey and he said, “We’ve been organizing professional collaborations for many years. For over a decade, our students have been going there, and their students have been visiting Izmir. We come together for meaningful projects. This time, we became the only host from Turkey for this valuable global event. We wanted to draw attention to coastal cleanup and take part in a worldwide movement. After Japan, we held the largest cleanup event. This is an act of awareness, a call to action. I’m very happy that we are all here together today.”

“WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY”

Stating that everyone shares responsibility for a sustainable and healthy future, Prof. Dr. Filiz Başkan, Advisor to the IUE Rector, said, “We must protect our nature, seas, and environment and instill this awareness in future generations. Universities also have an important role to play; but our mission cannot be limited to on-campus activities. As a University, we see all of Izmir as our campus. Today, I believe we sent a strong message reflecting that. We thank everyone who participated.”

“WE GATHERED FOR THE RECORD”

Ebru İlbeyce Alkan from the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality’s Disability Studies Branch talked about the movement saying, “Together with Izmir University of Economics and Japan, we held this coastal cleanup to enter the Guinness World Records. As the Disability Studies Branch, we collaborated closely with associations and schools.”

“I EXPERIENCED THEIR CULTURE OF CLEANLINESS”

IUE student Konuralp Yücesoy said, “This event means a lot to me. I studied in Japan last year and witnessed their culture of cleanliness and sense of responsibility. I believe this should definitely be implemented and promoted in our country as well. Cleanliness is vital for both individuals and society. Let’s stay clean always.”

“WE RAN HERE TO JOIN”

Nazan Tunay, Principal of Narlıdere İhsan Çelikten Middle School, who attended with her students, said, “We are very happy to be part of such an event organized by Izmir University of Economics and Izmir Metropolitan Municipality. We literally ran here with our students to contribute to the record and environmental cleanup. Our students are very excited. We organize similar activities at school too. They don’t study in a classroom unless it’s clean.”

“PROUD TO BE PART OF THE PROJECT”

Mustafa Koyuncu, Principal of Narlıdere Mehmet Seyfi Eraltay Anatolian High School, said, “We’re proud to be part of this event with our students. Our school has a long-standing tradition of participating in meaningful projects, and we aim to continue that. Our students will certainly take part in similar initiatives again.” Student Ayşe Ekin Yiğit commented, “This event is extremely productive. It’s important to hold such activities more often.” Another student, Asya Çallı, added, “I’m proud to be part of this project.” One of the participants Alptuğ Atay also said, “We collected mostly cigarette butts. They’re very harmful to our health. It feels great to take part in this event. Let’s not pollute our environment.”