대학신문방송국

An Era in which

 Eco-Friendliness is Essential

By Joung In-young Cub Reporter, Freshman of Electronics Control

    Have you ever seen a post uploaded on SNS with #In-Courage? This post made people aware of the wide use of unnecessary plastic in everyday life. As such, we can confirm that the movement related to “Zero-Waste” for environmental protection has recently become more active.

   Zero-Waste is a term that means the principle of designing all resources and products used in everyday life to be recycled so that no waste is buried or dumped in the sea. By 2010, major media and distribution companies from around the world, as well as influential individuals, began to join the movement.  In addition, some states in the U.S, including California, are embracing “Zero-Waste” policies, which are evolving into a social movement. As people's interest grows around the world, consumers are also trying to build their own Zero-Waste lifestyles. Follow these steps to start your own Zero-Waste life.

1. How to Practice Zero-Waste “5R”

   American Zero-Waste influencer Bea Johnson emphasized the practice of “5R” for a Zero-Waste lifestyle through his blog and book.

2. Companies taking the lead in recycling and reuseThe practice of zero-waste is really not that difficult. Using products from companies that practice “Zero-Waste” in line with the changing trends of society is another way. For example, here are some companies that have made plans to reduce waste.

2-1) Sprite

Colored plastics are made of composite materials, so they have the disadvantage of being difficult to recycle. In response, Sprite, a global beverage company, has boldly given up on green, a symbolic color that has been maintained since its launch, and is selling its drinks in a transparent package that can be recycled.

2-2) Patagonia

Patagonia, a popular U.S. clothing brand, produced outdoor clothing using recycled polyester extracted from plastic bottles, old fabrics, and used clothes.

 2-3) Google

Google has reused expired data servers through its own campaign called “Moonshot,” and six of its 14 data centers have been built so that there is no trash going back to landfills.

3. Zero-Waste Shop for Earth

It’s not just corporations, small businesses are also beginning to practice “Zero-Waste”. The number of the Zero-Waste shops is increasing greatly both at home and abroad. These stores are developing different strategies to avoid creating disposable waste. Korea is home to an inspiring new Zero-Waste shop.

3-1) Seongdong-gu, Seoul, The Picker

The Picker was the country’s first Zero-Waste shop to open in 2016. Everything here is sold without packaging. This can reduce the amount of plastic used as packaging and also create eco-friendly habits such as preparing containers or bags for vegetables or grains.

3-2) Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Bottle Factory

The Cafe Bottle Factory in Yeonhui-dong does not offer disposable cups. Instead, they lend tumblers to guests who visit without a personal cup. Also, unless the customer requests it, the receipt is not printed. They try to reduce unnecessary waste discharge to match other Zero-Waste shops. They also hold “Your Bottle Week,” an annual disposable cafe festival, to spread the Zero-Waste coffee culture through cafes near Seoul.

   Zero-Waste may seem cumbersome, but we must study and practice this lifestyle and take these small extra steps that can make a big difference. Then, for the sick Earth, we can coexist in a cleaner environment.