Cycling to Work, Plastic-Free Cafes: Adapting to the High Oil Price Shock

The ripple effects of global energy price shocks and supply chain instability are prompting a noticeable shift in daily life and consumer behavior across South Korea. As the nation grapples with the consequences of international conflicts and their impact on oil prices, citizens are increasingly embracing more resource-conscious lifestyles. This evolving consciousness is manifesting in practical changes, from commuting choices to everyday consumption patterns.

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With energy supply instability growing due to the war between the US, Israel, and Iran, I feel I must contribute in any way I can, even if it means enduring temporary inconvenience.

Many individuals, like Kim Jeong-sook from Seongnam, are voluntarily adjusting their routines to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Opting for public transportation, even if it means a longer commute, reflects a growing sense of civic responsibility to conserve energy. The surge in 'ja-chool' (bicycle commuting) is another prominent trend. Workers are increasingly turning to bicycles for parts of their journey, combining them with public transit or undertaking the entire commute by bike, driven not only by environmental concerns but also by the rising cost of fuel, which has made cycling a more economically viable option.

Beyond transportation, a growing segment of the population and businesses are re-evaluating their relationship with plastic and petroleum-based products. Cafes are observing a rise in customers using personal tumblers, with some establishments even considering lending reusable cups as a temporary measure during potential supply shortages. This reflects a broader sentiment that reducing plastic dependency is not just an environmental ideal but a practical necessity in the face of resource scarcity.

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I used to feel self-conscious about cycling to work, worried people might think I was just trying to save money. But with the recent rise in gas prices, I can now cycle without worrying about what others think.

Businesses are also responding to this shift. Zero-waste cafes, which have long championed plastic-free operations, find themselves well-positioned to navigate the current climate. Brands like 'Dojam,' which eschews petroleum-based materials like MDF and plastic films in favor of traditional joinery techniques, are finding their sustainable practices provide a competitive advantage. The company's philosophy emphasizes a move away from mass production of standardized items towards a more diverse, smaller-scale production model, which inherently reduces reliance on oil-derived materials.

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If supply becomes even more difficult, we are considering lending out mugs for in-store use.

These individual and corporate adaptations signal a potential long-term behavioral change. The current 'high oil price shock' is acting as a catalyst, accelerating a transition towards more sustainable practices that were perhaps previously considered niche or inconvenient. The collective effort to reduce consumption, embrace alternative transportation, and minimize waste suggests a growing awareness of the interconnectedness between global energy markets and local daily life, fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious society.

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If you have the will, it is entirely possible to operate a store without plastic.