Kim Dong-yeon, Governor of Gyeonggi Province (center), is taking a commemorative photo after signing a business agreement to create a single-use product-free Gyeonggi special zone with four regions: Bucheon, Ansan, Gwangmyeong, and Yangpyeong on the 18th.
Gyeonggi Province is creating 'Single-Use Product-Free Special Zones' in five locations across four cities and counties: Bucheon-si, Ansan-si, Gwangmyeong-si, and Yangpyeong-gun, to respond to the climate crisis.
On the 18th, Gyeonggi Province announced that it signed a business agreement for the 'Single-Use Product-Free Gyeonggi Special Zones' with Bucheon-si, Ansan-si, Gwangmyeong-si, and Yangpyeong-gun at Semiwon in Yangpyeong-gun.
Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon said in his greeting, "Since last year, Gyeonggi Province has encouraged not only provincial office employees but also visitors to avoid using single-use containers, and starting this year, we have been campaigning to use reusable containers for food orders outside. Surprisingly, this has quickly become established," adding, "Today, we signed an agreement with four cities and counties to not use single-use products. I hope that the practice of not using single-use products will start today in this beautiful tourist spot, universities, and markets, and spread throughout Gyeonggi Province and all over South Korea."
He continued, "Within a few years, companies that do not use renewable energy will face export barriers, and the so-called 'climate divide' between groups that adapt quickly to climate crisis responses and those that do not will become a serious issue," emphasizing, "In this regard, I have great regret over the government's passive response to climate change. There are even remarks that Korea is making a mistake by losing its position in the global market."
He added, "For our children and future generations to live sustainably, we must join forces now to stop using single-use products and actively respond to renewable energy and climate change," and "I hope to show that if Gyeonggi Province changes, South Korea changes."
The agreement includes investing a total of 3 billion KRW of provincial funds over three years until 2026 to designate special zones by administrative district or thematic area, build reusable container infrastructure, and prohibit the use of single-use products within these zones.
The special zones will be established in five locations across four cities and counties: Bucheon-si, Ansan-si, Gwangmyeong-si, and Yangpyeong-gun.
The 3 billion KRW budget will be used to support reusable cups at coffee shops, restaurants, funeral homes, movie theaters, sports facilities, and other multi-use facilities, as well as festivals and events within these special zones, establish reusable container rental and return facilities, and cover the installation costs of washing machines.
The goal of the special zone designation project is to build cooperative relationships between businesses (cafes, restaurants, etc.) and consumers (residents, public institutions, companies, etc.) and to form a social consensus for voluntary practice to eradicate single-use product usage.
Gyeonggi Province expects that the designation of these special zones will serve as a catalyst to encourage residents to experience using reusable containers and foster a culture of reusable container use throughout the region.
Through the creation of these special zones, Gyeonggi Province anticipates reducing the use of 11.3 million single-use products over three years, achieving a carbon emission reduction effect of 629 tons by 2026.
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