World Cleanup Day, a global observance launched by NGO Let’s Do It World (LDIW) and recognized by the United Nations that mobilizes individuals and communities worldwide to “clean up our planet in one day.” As a global leader dedicated to delivering material innovation that changes the world, Applied Materials is committed to environmental sustainability and actively fosters a culture of employee volunteerism.
Asia is not only an important market for Applied Materials, but also a key driver of the company’s efforts to strengthen community engagement and advance sustainable development. This year, Applied entities across Asia will jointly support the 2025 World Cleanup Day with its official theme – Strive for Five – and partner with local non-profit organizations to launch regional impactful environmental campaigns and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
India Spotlight: Lake Clean-up in with United Way Bengaluru
Applied Materials India Private Limited, in collaboration with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe) led a large-scale lake clean up initiative at Baiyappanahalli Lake, Bengaluru. The activity brought together employees and community members across Chennai, Coimbatore, Mumbai & Pune cities to:
● Remove invasive weeds and restore the lake’s natural ecosystem
● Plant native trees to enhance biodiversity and green cover
● Create and distribute seed balls to promote reforestation and soil health
Speaking at the event, Avi Avula, President, Applied Materials India, said, “I’m proud of our community engagement that spanned five cities this year, demonstrating how we turn our values into local action. I was delighted to participate in the Baiyappanahalli Lake clean-up, in partnership with United Way Bengaluru (UWBe). Being a part of this restoration activity was deeply fulfilling, and I can’t wait to see the fruit trees thrive and the community embrace the lake as a place of peace and connection. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through shared passion and teamwork.”
Applied Asia Cleanup: Six Countries Join Together for a Cleaner Planet
Facing the growing global challenge of waste pollution, the World Bank projects that total global waste will reach 3.4 billion tons by 2050, a nearly 70% increase compared to 2016. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), plastic waste leakage in Southeast Asia and other major Asian countries is expected to increase by approximately 70% by 2050 compared to 2022.
To proactively address this growing environmental challenge, Applied Materials’ entities across six countries in Asia will join with local non-profit organizations from September to October to launch a series of impactful cleanup initiatives. These efforts will span diverse ecosystems—including land, rivers, and oceans—and will be complemented by environmental education and community engagement programs. By harnessing the collective power of employees, communities, and partners, the campaign aims to deliver meaningful environmental improvements, reduce waste pollution, and contribute to climate resilience—creating lasting impact where it matters most.
Highlights of Applied Asia Cleanup in Other Regions:
● China: Launching cleanup activities in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Xiamen, while actively promoting employee participation in the World Cleanup Day digital campaign (led by LDIW) to expand engagement and impact.
● Japan: Hosting a cleanup along the Arakawa River in Tokyo to address river and marine pollution, while encouraging employees to reconnect with nature and contribute to environmental preservation.
● Singapore: Organizing a cleanup in the country’s unique mangrove ecosystems, while educating employees on the vital role mangroves play as natural coastal protectors—reducing erosion, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity.
● South Korea: Launching cleanup activities with the “Save Our Rivers” campaign, where employees and their families will create and release EM (Effective Microorganism) mud balls into local streams, alongside stream cleanups and litter collection efforts to support waterway restoration.
● Taiwan: Initiating a wetland cleanup at Taijiang National Park in Tainan—an ecologically rich yet delicate coastal inlet—where employees and their families can help protect the ecosystem and strengthen community ties.
About the Author
