"Cleaning Reusable Cups at Cafes as Jobs for People with Disabilities"… How About This Idea?

Ministry of Science and ICT Postal Service Headquarters Selected as Grand Prize Winner in Post Office Public Interest Project Contest
Practical Project Implementation Possible Through Multidimensional Review

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] An idea that can simultaneously address plastic pollution and employment issues for people with disabilities is expected to be promoted as a public interest project. The concept involves replacing disposable paper cups used in cafes and coffee shops with reusable cups, and having people with disabilities take charge of washing the used cups.

The Ministry of Science and ICT's Korea Post announced on the 17th that this "Reusable Cup Washing Project" won the grand prize at the Korea Post Public Interest Project Idea Contest.

Korea Post held the '2021 Korea Post Public Interest Project Idea Contest' to discover new ideas for public interest projects and to actively create social value for state-owned enterprises, selecting a total of 25 winning entries. The contest, held both online and offline from July 26 to August 20, received over 450 ideas across three categories: 'Open Field,' 'Volunteer Group Cooperation Field,' and 'Eco-friendly Business Field.' After evaluation by internal and external experts, 25 final ideas were selected.

The grand prize was awarded to the "Reusable Cup Washing Project," an eco-friendly employment initiative for people with developmental disabilities. This project involves trained individuals with developmental disabilities performing the washing of reusable cups. It received high praise for linking the pressing environmental issue of plastic recycling with employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Through detailed business feasibility verification, the potential for this project to become a new public interest initiative of Korea Post will be reviewed. The "Reusable Cup Washing Project" will receive the "Minister of Science and ICT Award" along with a prize worth 1 million KRW.

Park Jong-seok, head of the Korea Post, stated, "This contest confirmed the public's interest and social demands regarding government enterprises and Korea Post," adding, "We will internally review the feasibility and social value creation of the grand prize and other diverse and innovative ideas to commercialize them."