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🇰🇷 South Korea /Environment & Climate

81% of South Koreans want to reduce plastic use, urge government action

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A survey found 81.3% of South Koreans intend to reduce their plastic use, with 68.7% citing unavoidable reliance on single-use plastics.
  • Citizens believe the government should lead plastic reduction efforts, followed by corporations and individuals.
  • Environmental groups are urging the government to implement bolder policies beyond its current 2030 plastic waste reduction targets.

A significant majority of South Koreans are ready to cut down on plastic, with 81.3% expressing a desire to reduce their daily usage, according to a recent survey. The study, conducted by MarkroMill Embrain on behalf of the Plastic Problem Eradication Alliance (PPEA), also revealed that 83.6% of citizens view plastic pollution as a serious issue, and 81.7% feel anxious about microplastics.

Despite this widespread concern, many feel trapped by convenience and packaging. Nearly 69% of respondents stated they continue to use single-use plastics because most products they wish to buy are packaged that way. Another 39% found that avoiding single-use plastics complicates their purchasing or usage.

To facilitate a shift away from plastics, 79.1% of Koreans believe that the availability of reusable or refillable systems would significantly decrease single-use plastic consumption. Over half, 56.1%, indicated they would reduce their plastic use if charged for disposable items. Only 37.7% admitted to continuing plastic use primarily for convenience.

The survey results confirm that citizens have already made the decision to part with single-use plastics.

— Plastic Problem Eradication AllianceThe alliance's statement following the release of the survey findings on public opinion regarding plastic use.

When asked about who should spearhead plastic reduction, respondents prioritized the government (64.4%), followed by corporations (58.8%), and then individuals (48.5%). Key policy recommendations included establishing reusable and refill systems (44.4%), implementing tumbler discounts or deposit schemes (41.6%), and strengthening environmental responsibilities for manufacturers (34.5%).

The PPEA, comprising 17 environmental and civic groups, stated that the survey confirms citizens' "resolve to part with single-use plastics." They urged the government and corporations to "make decisive changes to the plastic production and distribution systems that hinder individuals' efforts." This call comes as the Ministry of Environment's plan to reduce plastic waste to 2021 levels by 2030 is criticized by environmental groups as too passive.

The government and corporations must make decisive changes to the plastic production and distribution systems that hinder individuals' efforts.

— Plastic Problem Eradication AllianceThe alliance's call to action for government and corporate reform based on the survey results.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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