Opening of 'Botaem Shop,' the First Zero Waste Store in Junghwa-dong, Jungnang-gu

Selling eco-friendly daily items without plastic, refill detergents, and recycled products... Conducting environmental education on making eco-friendly items and waste separation

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) has opened its first zero-waste shop, ‘Botaem Store’.

‘Botaem Store’ (22-gil Bonghwasan-ro 2) is operated by the ‘Geumulko Cooperative,’ a group of activists in Jungnang-gu interested in the environment. It was established on the 5th by renovating the upcycling store ‘Baekkot Hyanggi.’ It is expected to become a community platform where residents can experience zero waste and environmental education close to their neighborhood in response to the climate crisis era.

It is hard to find products made of plastic here. All items, such as natural loofahs, vegan kitchen soaps, bamboo toothbrushes, and reusable cotton pads, are eco-friendly, and packaging has been simplified. Refill detergents are also sold, allowing customers to bring their own containers and fill as much as they want. There are three types: kitchen detergent, fabric softener, and laundry detergent. If you haven’t prepared a container, you can purchase one at the store.

Utilizing the know-how of the previously operated upcycling store, clothing, miscellaneous goods, and home appliances donated by residents for resource circulation are also sold. The store plans to receive and sell items donated by local figures as well.

Various environmental education programs on different themes are held every month. This month, activities include ‘Making Cloth Menstrual Pads,’ ‘Sharing Tips to Reduce Waste,’ and ‘Useful Transformations of Sock Yarn.’

Botaem Store’s operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 12 PM to 8 PM, and it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, said, “We hope many people visit Botaem Store, which contributes to the earth, the community, and daily life,” adding, “We will strive to practice environmental protection and spread a zero-waste culture in everyday life.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.