Plastic-Free Challenge

One Day Without Single-Use Items

[Image suggestion: A zero-waste bulk & refill store interior — glass jars, bulk dispensers, stainless steel straws, bamboo toothbrushes and cloth bags, with a person filling a glass container at a refill station.]

“How many single-use items have you used today?”

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… Without thinking, most of us use at least 7–10 single-use plastic items a day.

According to Greenpeace, Koreans used about 19 kg of single-use plastic per person 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%.

The good news is: it’s not too late. Simply choosing “one plastic-free day” can help us reduce dozens of kilograms of plastic a year. Shall we begin the Plastic-Free Challenge together today?

1️⃣ Refuse

The most important first step: politely refuse what you don’t need.
• At cafés, say “No straw, please” or “I don’t need a cup sleeve.”
• In delivery apps, select “No disposable cutlery.”
• Use your own shopping bag instead of plastic bags at supermarkets.
• Decline free samples, flyers, and unnecessary packaging.

2️⃣ Reduce

Buy less, and focus on what you truly need.
• Before impulse purchases, wait at least 24 hours.
• Choose durable items instead of following every trend.
• Don’t buy in bulk just because it’s “cheap” — buy what you can use.
• Switch to digital receipts and online statements where possible.

3️⃣ Reuse

Replace single-use items with reusable ones.
• Keep a tumbler, eco-bag and handkerchief in your bag at all times.
• Store food in glass or stainless-steel containers instead of plastic.
• Try reusable items such as cloth pads, menstrual cups and silicone swabs.
• Reuse paper and shopping bags instead of throwing them away.

4️⃣ Recycle

Choose products that are recyclable and separate them properly.
• Remove labels from clear PET bottles and dispose of them separately.
• Strip tape and plastic from cardboard boxes before recycling.
• Remove caps from glass bottles and recycle separately.
• Check recycling symbols and material types before buying products.

5️⃣ Rot

Minimize food waste, and compost what you must discard.
• Use a small balcony compost bin if possible.
• Check your fridge before shopping and plan meals to avoid waste.
• Participate in municipal programs that reduce food waste.
• Consider home food waste dehydrators or composting systems.

☕ In the Kitchen

① On grocery day
• Prepare three eco-bags (large / medium / small).
• Use mesh or cloth bags for fruits and vegetables instead of plastic bags.
• Bring a paper egg carton and buy eggs individually.
• Buy detergents, grains and nuts at refill stations in your own containers.

② Food storage
• Switch from plastic food containers to glass or stainless steel.
• Use silicone lids and beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap.
• Replace single-use freezer bags with reusable silicone bags.
• Store only what you will actually eat again and avoid leftovers piling up.

③ Dishwashing and cleaning
• Try solid dish soap instead of liquid detergent in plastic bottles.
• Use cotton cloths, loofah sponges and bamboo brushes instead of plastic scrubbers.
• Clean and deodorize with baking soda and citric acid.
• Replace paper towels with reusable rags and hand towels.

🚿 In the Bathroom

① Washing and showering
• Replace bottled shampoo, conditioner and body wash with solid bars.
• Choose bamboo toothbrushes instead of plastic ones.
• Try toothpaste tablets or powder instead of plastic tubes.
• Use washable cleansing pads and towels rather than disposable cotton pads.

② Hygiene products
• Consider menstrual cups or cloth pads instead of disposable pads.
• Use reusable absorbent underwear where possible.
• Choose products with simple, recyclable packaging.

👔 When Going Out

• Bring your own tumbler and get discounts while avoiding disposable cups.
• Use stainless-steel straws or simply say “No straw, please.”
• Carry a hand towel instead of using wet wipes.
• Keep a foldable eco-bag in your bag at all times.
• Use your own cutlery set for take-out and delivery.
• Take your own glass or stainless container for food to-go when possible.

⚠️ Plastic-Free Practice: Important Things to Remember

① Don’t aim for perfection
100% zero waste is extremely difficult. Even 70% is already amazing. If you have a “bad day,” don’t blame yourself — just try again tomorrow.

② Use what you already have first
Throwing away existing plastic items to buy new “eco products” can be more wasteful. Use what you already have until the end, then choose better alternatives when replacing them.

③ Don’t force others
The most powerful education is your own quiet example. Forcing others can create resistance. Let your lifestyle speak for itself.

④ Focus on the next choice, not guilt
Sometimes you simply have no choice but to use a disposable item. When that happens, think, “What can I prepare differently next time?” and move on.

💬 Join Our ESG Practice Community

Join the KakaoTalk Open Chat
Share your plastic-free challenge and exchange zero-waste tips with others.
Those who complete this month’s “30-Day Plastic-Free Challenge” will receive an eco-bag gift set. 🎁

“Rather than one person living a perfectly zero-waste life,
a million people living imperfectly zero-waste lives will change the world more.”

Start with just one tumbler and one eco-bag today. Your small choices will protect our planet.

Small Actions Change the World

After 104 weeks, your daily routine will look completely different.
And little by little, the world around you will have changed as well.

Shall we start together today? 🌱💚🌏

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