대학신문방송국

Can We Say Bye to Plastic?

HBNU President Thinks So

 By Lee Ye-rim Editor-in-chief, Junior of Chinese

Last summer, President Oh Yong-jun of HBNU joined the “Bye Bye Plastic Campaign.” Launched by the Ministry of Environment in August 2023, the Bye Bye Plastic Challenge aims to reduce unnecessary plastic use in daily life and promote the use of reusable items. This campaign has spread nationwide and involves leaders and citizens from various sectors. The participation of influential figures, such as university presidents, has helped amplify the campaign’s impact across society.

Participation in the Bye Bye Plastic Challenge is straightforward. Participants either take a photo of themselves waving both hands, symbolizing “goodbye,” or record a video pledging to reduce plastic use. The photo or video is then posted on social media, including the essential hashtags #MinistryOfEnvironment, #ByeByePlastic, and #BBP, along with a nomination of the next participant. Oh Yong-jun, President of HBNU, was nominated by President Park Sung-kyu of Chongshin University to join this challenge. In his message, he stated, “Recently, South Korea has experienced unusually early heat, and the period of high temperatures is getting longer each year. Global warming and abnormal climate conditions are not the issues of any specific region or country but are global crises. I will begin by reducing my own use of disposable products and will strive to spread this practice to those around me.”

Due to the simplicity of participating in the challenge, various prominent figures such as politicians, celebrities, and environmental activists have actively joined, widely spreading its message. They use their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of ecological protection and introduce 10 practical steps that ordinary citizens can follow to reduce plastic use in their daily lives.

10 Practical Habits for the Earth: Bye-Bye Plastic Pledge

1. Use a reusable shopping bag when grocery shopping.

2. Choose reusable cooling packs when ordering fresh produce.

3. Reduce the use of wet wipes and plastic straws.

4. Avoid buying products with excessive packaging.

5. Choose second-hand or recycled products.

6. Use reusable items instead of disposable products.

7. Decline unnecessary plastic when ordering delivery.

8. Avoid using unnecessary plastic bags.

9. Shop at packaging-free refill stores.

10. Take responsibility for properly sorting and disposing of the products you use.

President Oh Yong-jun’s participation in this campaign holds significant meaning for HBNU students. A university is not just a place for academic learning but also a space where students cultivate a sense of responsibility for creating a better world. This challenge serves as an opportunity to raise awareness of environmental protection and offers practical ways for students to take action.

The Bye Bye Plastic Challenge is not a one-time campaign but an ongoing movement for environmental protection. President Oh Yong-jun’s participation will raise awareness among HBNU students and the local community about the severity of plastic pollution. It will also encourage more people to join the efforts to tackle environmental issues.

How about HBNU students joining this challenge and contributing to significant change through small actions in their daily lives? Each minor effort to reduce plastic will play a vital role in creating a better future. The Bye Bye Plastic Challenge will continue until the day comes when unnecessary plastic is no longer used.