Key Facts
• On June 19, 2025, 70 students from Ohata Elementary School participated in a class.
• The class was part of the “CHANGE FOR THE BLUE” project by the Nippon Foundation.
• 80% of marine debris originates on land, with plastic affecting marine ecosystems.
• Students learned about the importance of the “3Rs”: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
• Children expressed interest in volunteering and reducing waste in daily life.
• After the class, students cleaned a nearby beach to protect the local environment.
Summary
Elementary students in Mutsu City, Aomori, participated in a class on June 19, 2025, to learn about the impact of marine debris on the ocean. The session, part of the Nippon Foundation’s “CHANGE FOR THE BLUE” initiative, highlighted that 80% of marine debris originates on land, with plastic posing significant threats to marine ecosystems. Students were taught the importance of the “3Rs”-Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-and actively engaged in discussions, expressing their commitment to reducing waste and participating in cleanup activities. Following the class, they cleaned a nearby beach, reinforcing the importance of protecting their local marine environment.
