Namyangju City Launches Zero Disposable Items Challenge...Small Actions Creating Big Change

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Namyangju City announced on the 4th that it has launched a zero disposable items challenge targeting all city hall employees to expand the practice of eco-friendly living.

This challenge was designed with the purpose of having city public officials take the lead in reducing disposable items and spreading environmental protection practices to citizens.

The challenge, which proceeds under the slogan "1(one) less, 多(more)," runs from last month through this month targeting all departments, with all employees in each department participating by holding challenge placards for photos and individually taking part in electronic pledges to reduce disposable items.

The pledge content includes specific practice measures such as △mandatory use of reusable products in offices △expanding use of reusable items during meetings and events △carrying personal tumblers △using draft paper when printing and double-sided printing △using shopping bags when using the company cafeteria, among others.

In particular, this challenge proceeds through a paperless electronic pledge method, resulting in savings of approximately 2,500 sheets of paper. This translates to approximately 7.2 kg of carbon dioxide reduction and savings of about 25,000 liters of water.

Meanwhile, the city plans to gradually implement △support for reusable containers at the city's representative festivals △selection of exemplary businesses reducing disposable items as "environmentally excellent establishments" △operation of public institution challenges △citizen awareness improvement activities for jump flea market participants, based on the "Namyangju City Ordinance on Reducing Single-Use Items" enacted last year and the single-use items reduction promotion plan established in early this year.

Mayor Ju Gwang-deok stated, "Reducing disposable item consumption begins with small individual actions, but the effects can be enjoyed by everyone," adding, "Namyangju City will take the lead in creating an eco-friendly culture and create a sustainable future together with citizens."