October 13, 2025 —
I paddled a canoe onto the Hackensack River, which flows south through northern New Jersey and connects to the Atlantic Ocean.
Though I had joined the cleanup campaign several times before, it was my first time collecting trash directly from the river while in a canoe.
At first, I hurried to find my balance, but soon my experience from past boating helped me get used to rowing.
Looking at the river from the water’s surface, I felt both awe and sorrow.
Beneath the ripples lay piles of plastic and waste discarded by people.
As I picked them up one by one, I realized something profound —
“What matters more than picking up litter is the heart that chooses not to throw it away.”
During the cleanup, my canoe even capsized once, plunging me into the water,
but thankfully I came out unharmed.
In that moment, it felt as if the river was speaking to me:
“Now you understand why I’m hurting.
You must help heal me together.”
Today’s experience reminded me once again:
Protecting our planet is not about grand slogans,
but about small habits — and the simple choice not to pollute.
When we work together, the river will breathe again,
and the ocean will come alive to nurture life once more.
OWPA will continue to collaborate with local communities
to promote sustainable environmental restoration.
We invite you to join us in our next cleanup effort —
because every small action helps protect the life of our planet.
October 13, 2025
Rev. Kwang Soo Lee
