On March 30, 2025, ASEZ hosted a community clean-up and tree planting event at Malcolm X Community Park in downtown Albany. This event was part of the United Nations’ International Zero Waste Day and aimed to promote healthy, sustainable communities while aligning with the UN’s SDG #11, which focuses on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
The volunteers arrived at 10 a.m. to set up tents, refreshments, and equipment provided by the Department of General Services. The official event began at 11 a.m. and lasted until 1 p.m., with Dr. Applyrs welcoming the volunteers and reading a special proclamation from Mayor Kathy Sheehan. The proclamation declared March 30, 2025, as both ASEZ UN Zero Waste Day in Albany.
Uniting for Zero Waste
Before starting the clean-up, the group planted a tree in the park to honor the play Once on This Island, symbolizing unity and community. This tree planting was a reminder of the importance of green initiatives and environmental stewardship. The volunteers, including 25 students from the University at Albany, worked hard to clean the area, picking up trash from Clinton Street, Lark Street, and the surrounding park areas. They collected around 520 pounds of waste, including a mattress from an abandoned lot.
In his remarks, Deputy Commissioner Frank Zeoli emphasized the importance of community involvement, saying, “I am encouraged for a future where people will step up and do the right thing… It takes everyone and it’s not one person’s responsibility, loving where they live and making sure it stays clean.” Dr. Applyrs, City Chief Auditor for the City of Albany, said, “Standing in partnership, we are showing that there are many across the world promoting a message of zero waste and that we must be better stewards of our community and planet.”
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