Plastic-Free Challenge<\/h1>\n
One Day Without Single-Use Items<\/p>\n
\u270f\ufe0f Column by Baek Chang-hee | \u23f1\ufe0f Approx. 8 min read<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
[Image suggestion: A zero-waste bulk & refill store interior \u2014 glass jars, bulk dispensers, stainless steel straws, bamboo toothbrushes and cloth bags, with a person filling a glass container at a refill station.]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cHow many single-use items have you used today?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n A morning coffee in a plastic cup, three plastic containers from a lunch delivery, a convenience-store drink with a plastic straw, two plastic bags from grocery shopping\u2026 Without thinking, most of us use at least 7\u201310 single-use plastic items a day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n According to Greenpeace, Koreans used about 19 kg of single-use plastic per person<\/strong> in 2020. That equals 109 plastic water bottles (1.6 kg), 102 disposable cups (1.4 kg), 533 plastic bags (10.7 kg) and 568 food containers (5.3 kg) per person. Compared to 2017, disposable cup use increased by 57%, and plastic bag use by 16%.<\/p>\n The good news is: it\u2019s not too late. Simply choosing \u201cone plastic-free day\u201d<\/strong> can help us reduce dozens of kilograms of plastic a year. Shall we begin the Plastic-Free Challenge<\/strong> together today?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Is Korea\u2019s plastic recycling rate really 73%?<\/strong> How long does plastic take to break down?<\/strong> In 2021 alone, Korea generated 11.93 million tons of plastic waste, a 49.5% increase<\/strong> (about 3.95 million tons) compared to 2017. Some projections estimate that by 2030, annual plastic waste could reach 6.475 million tons, about 3.6 times<\/strong> the 2010 level. If we continue on this path, we may literally end up living surrounded by plastic waste.<\/p>\n At the center of zero-waste living are the \u201c5Rs.\u201d When practiced in this order, daily waste can be reduced by up to 90%<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The most important first step:<\/strong> politely refuse what you don\u2019t need. Buy less, and focus on what you truly need. Replace single-use items with reusable ones. Choose products that are recyclable and separate them properly. Minimize food waste, and compost what you must discard. Why is plastic pollution so serious?<\/strong> Producing and burning plastic emits huge amounts of greenhouse gases, accelerating the climate crisis. Practicing zero-waste living is one of the most direct ways to respond to climate change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Someone\u2019s convenience is someone else\u2019s burden.<\/strong> Zero-waste shops, local markets and sharing economies become social laboratories where we create fairer, more sustainable consumption patterns together.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Why producer responsibility matters<\/strong> At the 2025 UN Plastic Treaty negotiations in Busan, many are calling for a global agreement to regulate plastic production itself, not just waste management.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u2460 On grocery day<\/strong> \u2461 Food storage<\/strong> \u2462 Dishwashing and cleaning<\/strong> \u2460 Washing and showering<\/strong> \u2461 Hygiene products<\/strong> \u2022 Bring your own tumbler and get discounts while avoiding disposable cups. What is a refill station?<\/strong> Examples of refill & zero-waste stores<\/strong> Tips for using refill stations<\/strong> How to find them:<\/strong> Search \u201czero-waste shop\u201d or \u201crefill station\u201d in your map app.<\/p>\n Case study: \u201cL\u201d (28, office worker, lives in Seoul)<\/strong> If just 10% of Korea\u2019s population of 50 million practiced a \u201cPlastic-Free Day\u201d once a week<\/strong>, we could cut an estimated 13,000 tons of plastic<\/strong> in a single year.<\/p>\n \u2460 Don\u2019t aim for perfection<\/strong> \u2461 Use what you already have first<\/strong> \u2462 Don\u2019t force others<\/strong> \u2463 Focus on the next choice, not guilt<\/strong> Join the KakaoTalk Open Chat<\/a> \u201cRather than one person living a perfectly zero-waste life, Start with just one tumbler and one eco-bag today. Your small choices will protect our planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Bureau Chief, The Korean Today (Gyeonggi Hanam) After 104 weeks, your daily routine will look completely different. Shall we start together today? \ud83c\udf31\ud83d\udc9a\ud83c\udf0f<\/p>\n \u00a9 2025 The Korean Today. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u267b\ufe0f<\/span> The Real Story of the Plastic We Throw Away<\/h2>\n
The Ministry of Environment once announced that Korea\u2019s plastic recycling rate was 73%. However, this number includes \u201cenergy recovery\u201d through incineration<\/strong>. If we apply the European Union standard, which counts only plastic that is recycled into new plastic products, the actual recycling rate is closer to 27%<\/strong>. The remaining 73% is burned or landfilled.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Plastic bag: over 500 years
\u2022 Plastic bottle: around 450 years
\u2022 Plastic straw: about 200 years
\u2022 Styrofoam: practically non-degradable
\u2022 For comparison: a milk carton takes about 5 years, wooden chopsticks about 20 years.<\/p>\n\ud83c\udf3f<\/span> The Heart of Zero Waste: The 5R Principles<\/h2>\n
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Refuse<\/h3>\n
\u2022 At caf\u00e9s, say \u201cNo straw, please\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t need a cup sleeve.\u201d
\u2022 In delivery apps, select \u201cNo disposable cutlery.\u201d
\u2022 Use your own shopping bag instead of plastic bags at supermarkets.
\u2022 Decline free samples, flyers, and unnecessary packaging.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n2\ufe0f\u20e3 Reduce<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Before impulse purchases, wait at least 24 hours.
\u2022 Choose durable items instead of following every trend.
\u2022 Don\u2019t buy in bulk just because it\u2019s \u201ccheap\u201d \u2014 buy what you can use.
\u2022 Switch to digital receipts and online statements where possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n3\ufe0f\u20e3 Reuse<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Keep a tumbler, eco-bag and handkerchief in your bag at all times.
\u2022 Store food in glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic.
\u2022 Try reusable items such as cloth pads, menstrual cups and silicone swabs.
\u2022 Reuse paper and shopping bags instead of throwing them away.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n4\ufe0f\u20e3 Recycle<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Remove labels from clear PET bottles and dispose of them separately.
\u2022 Strip tape and plastic from cardboard boxes before recycling.
\u2022 Remove caps from glass bottles and recycle separately.
\u2022 Check recycling symbols and material types before buying products.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n5\ufe0f\u20e3 Rot<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Use a small balcony compost bin if possible.
\u2022 Check your fridge before shopping and plan meals to avoid waste.
\u2022 Participate in municipal programs that reduce food waste.
\u2022 Consider home food waste dehydrators or composting systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\ud83c\udf0d E \u2013 Environment<\/h3>\n
Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic flow into the oceans. An estimated 1 million marine animals and 1 million birds die annually from plastic pollution.<\/p>\n\ud83e\udd1d S \u2013 Social<\/h3>\n
Plastic waste exported from developed countries often ends up in developing countries, deepening environmental inequality.<\/p>\n\u2696\ufe0f G \u2013 Governance<\/h3>\n
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging should be strengthened so companies must take real responsibility for the packaging they put into the market and for its collection and recycling.<\/p>\n\ud83c\udfe0<\/span> A Plastic-Free Routine That Starts at Home<\/h2>\n
\u2615 In the Kitchen<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Prepare three eco-bags (large \/ medium \/ small).
\u2022 Use mesh or cloth bags for fruits and vegetables instead of plastic bags.
\u2022 Bring a paper egg carton and buy eggs individually.
\u2022 Buy detergents, grains and nuts at refill stations in your own containers.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Switch from plastic food containers to glass or stainless steel.
\u2022 Use silicone lids and beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
\u2022 Replace single-use freezer bags with reusable silicone bags.
\u2022 Store only what you will actually eat again and avoid leftovers piling up.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Try solid dish soap instead of liquid detergent in plastic bottles.
\u2022 Use cotton cloths, loofah sponges and bamboo brushes instead of plastic scrubbers.
\u2022 Clean and deodorize with baking soda and citric acid.
\u2022 Replace paper towels with reusable rags and hand towels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udebf In the Bathroom<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Replace bottled shampoo, conditioner and body wash with solid bars.
\u2022 Choose bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones.
\u2022 Try toothpaste tablets or powder instead of plastic tubes.
\u2022 Use washable cleansing pads and towels rather than disposable cotton pads.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Consider menstrual cups or cloth pads instead of disposable pads.
\u2022 Use reusable absorbent underwear where possible.
\u2022 Choose products with simple, recyclable packaging.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udc54 When Going Out<\/h3>\n
\u2022 Use stainless-steel straws or simply say \u201cNo straw, please.\u201d
\u2022 Carry a hand towel instead of using wet wipes.
\u2022 Keep a foldable eco-bag in your bag at all times.
\u2022 Use your own cutlery set for take-out and delivery.
\u2022 Take your own glass or stainless container for food to-go when possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\ud83c\udfea<\/span> How to Find and Use Refill Stations<\/h2>\n
A refill station is a shop where you can purchase items like shampoo, detergent, grains, nuts and cosmetics without packaging<\/strong>, taking only the amount you need. You fill your own containers, weigh them and pay by weight. As of 2025, there are around 300 zero-waste shops and refill stations<\/strong> operating across Korea.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The Picker<\/strong>: Korea\u2019s first zero-waste shop (Seongsu-dong, Seoul, opened 2016)
\u2022 Almang Market<\/strong>: refill-focused store (Mangwon-dong, Seoul)
\u2022 Zeroshop Jigu<\/strong>: eco-lifestyle products (online & offline)
\u2022 Kellogg cereal refill station<\/strong>: at Lotte Mart Jamsil Zettaplex
\u2022 L\u2019Occitane Refill Fountain<\/strong>: in selected L\u2019Occitane stores<\/p>\n
1. Bring clean, dry glass jars or stainless-steel containers.
2. Upon arrival, weigh your empty containers and record the tare weight.
3. Slowly fill each container with just the amount you need.
4. Weigh again and pay only for the contents.
5. Label your containers at home with the product name and date.<\/p>\n\u2728<\/span> Real-Life Story: Living a Plastic-Free Life<\/h2>\n
\u2022 Duration<\/strong>: 6 months
\u2022 Actions<\/strong>: Carried a tumbler, eco-bag and personal cutlery set every day; visited a refill station twice a month.
\u2022 Results<\/strong>:
\u2013 Reduced plastic waste by about 85% (from one full trash bag to half a small bag).
\u2013 Saved around 80,000 KRW per month by avoiding over-packaged products.
\u2013 Selected \u201cNo disposable cutlery\u201d for 100% of delivery orders.
\u2022 Reflection<\/strong>: \u201cThe first two weeks were the hardest. Once it became a habit, my life actually felt simpler. And I felt proud that I was doing something for the planet. Soon my friends started to follow my lead.\u201d<\/p>\n\u26a0\ufe0f Plastic-Free Practice: Important Things to Remember<\/h4>\n
100% zero waste is extremely difficult. Even 70% is already amazing. If you have a \u201cbad day,\u201d don\u2019t blame yourself \u2014 just try again tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Throwing away existing plastic items to buy new \u201ceco products\u201d can be more wasteful. Use what you already have until the end, then choose better alternatives when replacing them.<\/p>\n
The most powerful education is your own quiet example. Forcing others can create resistance. Let your lifestyle speak for itself.<\/p>\n
Sometimes you simply have no choice but to use a disposable item. When that happens, think, \u201cWhat can I prepare differently next time?\u201d and move on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\ud83d\udcac Join Our ESG Practice Community<\/h4>\n
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Share your plastic-free challenge and exchange zero-waste tips with others.
Those who complete this month\u2019s \u201c30-Day Plastic-Free Challenge\u201d will receive an eco-bag gift set. \ud83c\udf81<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
a million people living imperfectly zero-waste lives will change the world more.\u201d<\/p>\nBaek Chang-hee, Gyeonggi Hanam Bureau Chief<\/h4>\n
ESG Management Columnist
Sustainable Management Consultant
Director, WIA Journalists Association<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSmall Actions Change the World<\/h3>\n
And little by little, the world around you will have changed as well.<\/p>\n