[Features reporter] [Earth day] Seoul's push to cut waste with reusable delivery containers

Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd every year.

To remember the importance of protecting our planet, Eun-hee you have a story to share?

Yes Soa.

These kinds of special days are important, and at the very least, they deserve our attention throughout the week or month.

Today, I want to share how the South Korean government is supporting sustainable everyday habits, which call for our awareness and participation.

Let's all take a closer look.

Having a picnic and enjoying food delivery-it's pure happiness, until we realize that our earth can't sustain this convenience forever.

And as more people begin to enjoy the outdoors after a long winter, starting this month, Seoul City is working to reduce single-use waste by installing return stations for reusable food delivery containers at Hangang Parks, beginning with two at Ttukseom Hangang Park and three at Yeouido Hangang Park.

To use the service, the reusable container option in the delivery app needs to be selected.

And to return containers, simply scan the QR code on the delivery bag and drop them at the designated station.

Next, these used containers are taken to the cleaning station.

"Reusable containers -one concern that probably comes to mind is sterilization. Can we really trust that they’re clean? Well, that’s exactly what we're here to find out. Behind me, a full 7-step process ensures that each container is thoroughly washed, sanitized, and inspected before making its way back to customers."

The steps include: pre-washing, soaking, high-temperature washing, rinsing, drying, sterilization, disinfection, and a comprehensive inspection.

"We at Itgreen run the "Returnit" service, where the containers are collected, sanitized and returned to participating restaurants and vendors for reuse up to 300 times.

To ensure the highest standards of hygiene, ATP tests are conducted to measure organic residue, and are ten times stricter than the standard guidelines.

"Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, food delivery has become a regular part of life. To tackle the growing plastic waste issue, we partnered with major delivery companies in 2022 to launch a reusable container service. The service is now available in most areas of Seoul, and by next year, we plan to expand it to all of the city."

For business owners, what are the advantages and challenges of using this system?

"The reusable containers are not only clean, but they also retain heat well, helping to keep the food warm during delivery.

However, it would be even more practical if the containers came in a wider range of shapes and materials to better suit the food."

As more services take part in helping protect the planet, our role is just as important.

By recognizing the impact of our daily choices and by participating, we can become part of the change we hope to see.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.

I always feel a little bad when I order food from delivery apps because of all the packaging that remains

I wasn’t aware of the return stations, and it's something more people should really know about.

Exactly.

Most importantly, those kinds of services are about making sure people are aware of and actually use them.

To help with that, a Seoul City official said they plan to add more informational banners throughout Hangang Parks and update bulletin boards at delivery zones with clear instructions on how to order and return reusable containers.

They're also working to bring more restaurants on board.

That information really helps I might actually go for a picnic at one of the Hangang Parks this weekend.

This reusable container service isn’t just for parks though you can use it at home too, right?

Oh yes.

The return process is just as simple.

You just leave the used containers outside your door.

I'd also like to share the progress made so far.

Seoul City reported that last year, over 1-point-2 million reusable containers were used during more than 1-hundred-30 baseball games, effectively reducing single-use container consumption by about 9,210 per game.

The city is now expanding the service, beginning with high-waste areas such as funeral halls, sports venues, and festivals.

Additionally, a small reward is offered for using the service through delivery apps, where customers earn carbon-neutral points for each order, which can be exchanged for cash.

Remember the days we left jjajangmyeon containers outside our doors?

We've become so used to using all that plastic and throw it away.

Great to see this environment-friendly shift, and let's hope the impact will grow as more people get involved.

Thank you Eun-hee for sharing.

Yes thank you Eun-hee for the story.