AEC Zero Waste Action in Okinawa
In recognition of Japan’s “Zero Waste Day” on May 30, AEC held its “AEC Zero Waste Action” beach cleanup at Yoshinoura Park Beach in Nakagusuku Village, Okinawa.
A total of 56 employees and family members participated in the event, coming together to help protect and preserve Okinawa’s coastal environment while strengthening connections with one another and the local community.
Before the cleanup began, participants attended a safety briefing and learned about marine debris with support from gomisube (“Trash Was Where It All Began”), an organization dedicated to environmental conservation and community-based cleanup activities.
Discovering the Reality of Marine Debris
The event took place under clear skies and pleasant ocean breezes, providing participants with an opportunity to experience Okinawa’s natural beauty while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental challenges affecting local coastlines.
Prior to the cleanup, representatives from gomisube explained safety procedures and introduced the various types of waste commonly found along Okinawa’s beaches. Participants encountered a wide range of debris, including fishing buoys, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, broken plastic fragments, and pieces of glass.
Wearing gloves and carrying collection bags, participants carefully walked the shoreline, picking up litter one piece at a time. Although the cleanup lasted only about an hour, a surprising amount of waste was collected—much of it easily overlooked in everyday life.
The experience served as a reminder that protecting the environment often begins with noticing the things we might otherwise miss.
A Learning Experience for Employees and Families
One of the highlights of the event was the enthusiastic participation of children who joined alongside their families.
As they explored the beach, children eagerly pointed out items they discovered:
“There’s more over here!”
“What is this?”
Their excitement encouraged parents and other participants to work together, turning the cleanup into a shared learning experience. Throughout the event, families discussed the types of waste they found and reflected on how everyday actions can impact the environment.
Participants shared positive feedback about the experience:
“I’m glad I could participate with my family.”
“It gave me an opportunity to think more seriously about environmental issues.”
“The activity was easy and enjoyable to join with my children.”
For many children, the event provided a hands-on opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship. For adults, it offered a valuable reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting our natural surroundings.
Looking More Closely at Our Local Environment
The purpose of this initiative extended beyond simply collecting litter.
Guided by AEC’s vision of “From Okinawa to the World,” we believe that meaningful local actions can contribute to broader global impact.
Walking along the shoreline encouraged participants to look more closely at the natural environment of the communities where they live and work and to consider what each of us can do to help preserve it for future generations.
The event also encouraged interaction among employees from different departments and families to interact in a relaxed setting, helping strengthen relationships and build new connections across the company.
Strengthening Our Connection with the Community
As a company that supports social infrastructure through construction and engineering services, AEC values not only its business activities but also its role as a member of the communities it serves.
The AEC Zero Waste Action initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement.Through activities such as this beach cleanup, we hope to contribute positively to the regions where our employees live and work.
We would like to thank all participating employees and family members, as well as the members of gomisube for their support in making this event possible.
The AEC Zero Waste Action was not limited to Okinawa. On the same day, a similar community cleanup activity was also conducted in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
In our next article, we will share highlights from the Iwakuni event, where AEC employees worked alongside local residents and neighborhood associations to support their community.
【Related Article】
▶Featured in “Ryukyu Shimpo” (July 1, 2026)
「ごみゼロの日」ビーチクリーン 中城村海岸で「ゴミすべ」 (subscriber article)
https://ryukyushimpo.jp/region/entry-5354653.html
▶Bringing the Community Together on Zero Waste Day: AEC Zero Waste Action in Iwakuni
https://www.aec-japan.co.jp/en/csr/5525/
