[News Terms] 'Zero Market' Planned to Expand to 300 Locations This Year

'Zero waste' is a movement aimed at reducing the emission of substances that can harm humans or the environment by minimizing packaging or maximizing the use of recyclable materials. In other words, it is an environmental movement that pursues a life without waste. It first spread overseas in the 2000s, such as in the United States, and began to be known domestically in the late 2010s.

'Zero market' is a 'zero waste' store that does not use disposable packaging. It does not use disposable plastics or containers and encourages the use of reusable containers while selling eco-friendly products. When purchasing refillable products such as detergents, shampoos, and cosmetics, customers can weigh and buy only the amount they need. Products can be purchased by filling them into dedicated containers provided in the store or reusable containers brought by individuals.

The appearance of the Zero Market store.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

As part of the 'Zero Waste Seoul Project' to reduce packaging waste at the production, distribution, and consumption stages and to promote eco-friendly consumption, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has been operating the nation's first 'Zero Market' since December 2021 in cooperation with large distribution companies.

There are 10 locations including Homeplus World Cup Branch, Hapjeong Branch, Sindorim Branch, Seoul Namhyeon Branch, E-Land Retail NC Department Store Gangseo Branch, Singuro Branch, Songpa Branch, GS Retail The Fresh Godeok Gracium Branch, Myeongil Branch, and Sanggye Branch. Some stores operate as pop-up stores, some as unmanned refill stations, and in addition to zero markets, about 70 zero waste eco-friendly stores are operating throughout Seoul.

Some zero markets are also used as resource circulation hubs within the community. Instead of throwing away household waste such as old earphones and charging cables that are no longer used at home, people can collect and bring them to be recycled, and paper bags and glass bottles are also collected for reuse.

On the 27th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government held the launch ceremony for the '2050 Carbon Neutral One Team Seoul' and decided to increase the number of zero markets to 300 this year. Lee In-geun, head of the Seoul Climate and Environment Headquarters, said, "Considering that buildings, transportation, and waste account for 95% of greenhouse gas emissions in Seoul, voluntary climate action by citizens is essential," and added, "We will make further efforts to enable citizens to easily practice eco-friendly consumption in their daily lives."