“Expansion to 15 Cities and Counties” Chungnam Province Advances Phase 2 of ‘Plastic-Free Transition’

Chungnam Province is expanding its 'Plastic-Free Transition' policy to 15 cities and counties within the region.

Chungnam Province announced on the 15th that starting next month, the second phase of the 'Plastic-Free Transition' policy will expand the policy implementation area to all cities and counties in Chungnam.

Accordingly, from next month, each city and county will create a public office atmosphere free of disposable products and prohibit the provision of disposable items in public institutions, funeral halls, movie theaters, and sports stadiums established and operated by the cities and counties.

Additionally, the 10th of every month will be designated as 'Disposable-Free Day' to carry out related campaigns, and efforts will be made to encourage participation from all residents through plastic reduction promotions and education.

The plastic-free transition aims to reduce the use of disposable products such as plastics, which have increased alongside the surge in food packaging and delivery, and to realize carbon neutrality in daily life.

Public institutions under Chungnam Province will also participate in this policy along with the cities and counties.

Previously, on June 19, Chungnam Province implemented the first phase by banning the introduction and carrying of disposable products within the Chungnam Provincial Government building, mandating the use of reusable products, and promoting the conversion of coffee specialty shops located in the building to reusable cup-only stores.

As a result, the amount of plastic waste generated at the Chungnam Provincial Government and Chungnam Provincial Council from June to July was 17.6㎥, a decrease of 9.2㎥ (34.3%) compared to 26.8㎥ generated during the same period last year (June to July).

By reducing the use of disposable products, combustible household waste also decreased by 14.25㎥ (5.8%), from 244.8㎥ to 230.55㎥.

Ahn Jae-su, Director of the Climate and Environment Bureau of Chungnam Province, said, “We hope that public institutions taking the lead will contribute to spreading a culture of reducing disposable and plastic use,” adding, “Realizing carbon neutrality starts with small actions rather than grand slogans. For the sake of ourselves now and future generations, we ask all residents to participate in the plastic-free transition.”

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