Gwanak-gu Leads the Way in Creating a Single-Use Plastic-Free Government Building

From May 1, all Gwanak-gu employees will practice banning the introduction and use of disposable products within the government office building

Successful realization of ‘The ESG Gwanak’ through habitual use of personal tumblers and reusable cups

Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) is launching an initiative to create a disposable-free government office building to realize ‘The ESG Gwanak,’ which pursues eco-friendliness, social responsibility, and transparent management.

On March 21, the district introduced an ESG policy that pursues sustainable development and social and ethical values, holding the ‘The ESG Gwanak Vision Proclamation Ceremony’ with related organizations such as Seoul National University, local companies, and about 300 residents, signaling the start of ESG policy implementation.

Recently, to ensure the successful establishment of ‘The ESG Gwanak,’ the district formulated the ‘Public Sector Disposable-Free Clean Living Space Gwanak’ promotion plan, aiming to actively practice reducing disposable product use starting from public institutions and establish a leading model.

Starting May 1, the district will prohibit employees from bringing disposable products into the government office building to promote habitual use of reusable containers.

To foster and spread a disposable-free office atmosphere, the district will strengthen education for employees to gain their empathy and promote various practical tasks such as habitual use of personal tumblers instead of disposable cups and using reusable cups during events and meetings.

The district will also educate visiting civil petitioners. At the main entrances of the government office building, banners prohibiting the introduction of disposable products and storage stands for disposable cups will be installed so that visitors carrying disposable cups can temporarily store and retrieve them later.

Additionally, the caf? located inside the government office building will be converted into an eco-friendly caf? by replacing disposable cups with reusable ones.

Furthermore, since April 13, the district has been broadcasting daily announcements within the building to encourage employees and visitors to continuously practice reducing disposable product use.

A district official stated, “We aim to successfully practice The ESG Gwanak through continuous efforts to reduce disposable product use,” adding, “We will do our best to make Gwanak a ‘city dreaming of the future and sustainable development’ by actively practicing disposable product reduction starting from the public sector.”

Jongno-gu restricts indiscriminate use of disposable products

From April to November, inspection and promotion of disposable product use regulations targeting about 8,300 businesses including food service establishments in the district

Separate inspection team formed to sequentially visit the entire region... checking use of disposable cups, plates, paper cups, plastic straws, etc.

Jongno-gu (Mayor Jeong Munheon) has been conducting a ‘Special Promotion and Inspection of Disposable Product Use Regulations’ targeting about 8,300 businesses including food service establishments in the district from April 17 to November.

This is to support the stable establishment of the strengthened disposable product use regulation system at the end of this year and to sound the alarm against indiscriminate use of disposable products.

The target industries include collective catering facilities, food service businesses (cafes, general restaurants, bakeries), general retail businesses (supermarkets), and large-scale stores.

Accordingly, the district formed a separate inspection team within the Resource Recycling Team and has been touring the entire region starting from Cheongunhyoja-dong, Sajik-dong, and Samcheong-dong in April. However, for franchises and convenience stores, promotional materials are sent to headquarters instead.

The inspection items include the use of disposable cups, plates, paper cups, plastic straws, stirring sticks, bags and shopping bags, and umbrella vinyl covers.

Business Inspection

Along with on-site inspections, the district will provide detailed information about regulated items to residents through its website and social media and send promotional materials separately to related organizations in the region to vigorously promote the culture of reducing disposable product use in the community.

Additionally, at the end of November, the district plans to select and commend excellent businesses that have reduced disposable product use. The commendation aims to recognize businesses that not only comply with disposable product regulations but also make differentiated efforts such as using reusable containers for delivery or achieving zero plastic use, serving as role models in reducing disposable product use.

From November 23 this year, when the guidance period for disposable products ends, the use of paper cups, plastic straws, and stirring sticks will be prohibited inside food service and collective catering establishments.

Also, the use of disposable plastic bags will be banned in convenience stores, supermarkets, and bakeries, with only paper bags and biodegradable resin products provided.

Mayor Jeong Munheon emphasized, “We ask all business owners and residents to actively participate in the policy to reduce disposable product use.”