On January 1, 2025, under clear blue skies, the Growing and Giving Club under CAPA-MC hosted its annual “Rehikeling” event. Now in its third year, this cherished tradition brought together over 30 participants from 14 families in the Montgomery County Chinese community, as well as hiking and environmental enthusiasts.

This year’s Rehikeling took place in the Bethesda section of Great Falls Park. Participants enjoyed breathtaking views of the Potomac River while actively cleaning up the environment by collecting trash along the trail. This blend of outdoor activity and environmental stewardship reflects the club’s dedication to both personal well-being and ecological health.

Focus on Sustainability

Before the hike began, the club’s student leaders introduced the Zero Hero Initiative to new members and community participants. This initiative, funded by the Montgomery County Environmental Protection Department and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, was originally launched on January 1, 2023, through the first Rehikeling event.

The Zero Hero Initiative focuses on addressing the urgent issue of plastic pollution. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the average American generates about 487 pounds of plastic waste annually. Much of this waste, particularly plastic bags and films, is not recycled, contributing significantly to landfill burdens and water pollution. Microplastics are now ubiquitous—found in oceans, local waterways, marine life, and even in our food.

Community Action and Achievements

Motivated by a desire to combat plastic pollution, the club’s student volunteers have engaged the community through extensive outreach efforts. Over the past two years, with the dedication of more than 100 volunteers, the Growing and Giving Club has:

• Organized over 40 promotional events.
• Reached more than 7,000 community members.
• Collected and recycled over 2,000 pounds of plastic bags and films.
• In addition to these efforts, the student leaders at Rehikeling explained key aspects of the Zero Hero Initiative, including methods for sorting, collecting, and recycling plastic waste. They also promoted two ongoing projects:
  • Plastic Bag Recycling Initiative in Montgomery County Public Schools
  • Plastic Bag Recycling Awareness Video Contest
• Both projects aim to raise awareness and drive action among local students and families.

How You Can Contribute

The Growing and Giving Club invites everyone to join the effort to protect the environment. Here’s how you can help:

• Collect used plastic bags and films at home. Make sure they are clean and dry.
• Drop them off at designated recycling stations in nearby GIANT or SAFEWAY stores.
• For specific details, refer to the informational flyer below or contact thezeroheroteam@gmail.com.