마트서 비닐 봉지 사용 금지, 1회용품 사용 제로화 이렇게
Korea has implemented various policies to protect the environment including a ban on plastic bags in supermarkets and large stores.
Which is why now, there’s growing interest in ways to consume every day products in an eco-conscious way.
One option is turning the things we discard into something new.
Oh Soo-young sheds light on the growing trend of upcycling.
Seongdong-gu District in Eastern Seoul has for decades been a cluster of small factories and auto part makers — with the sounds of clattering tools and humming machinery filling the air.
But over the past year,… an increasing number of eco-friendly ventures and upcycling projects have been popping up in the area.
It has now become a must-visit place for eco-conscious locals,… especially as the government continues strengthening laws to curb the use of plastics and non-biodegradable items.
This store offers a collection of homewear products and accessories,… all made out of waste or discarded materials like LPs, bicycle chains and vinyl banners.
“There aren’t many upcycled items available for Korean customers so what we did was gather various products from designers and manufacturers in one place and try to offer our customers a wide range of choice.”
Some eye-catching items include colourful toys for children made from plastic bottles and business card holders made from milk cartons.
Each item is one of a kind.
“I was a bit wary at first, thinking the products are made from trash, but after seeing them for myself,… I think they’re great. There are so many pretty designs that I’ve bought one for myself.”
The shop is part of the Seoul Upcycling Plaza which has been providing support and workspaces for such waste repurposing ventures.
“Startups at this upcycling plaza take zero-plastic and carbon-free initiatives beyond conservation to innovation.”
These include recycled banners, fashion accessories made from firehoses,… clothes made from discarded denim and leather.
Going beyond just buying the products, visitors can actually see the upcycling process.
“We have about 40 companies here. We support them in their diverse R&D endeavours so that the upcycling industry can grow.”
In line with the government’s initiatives to cut the use of disposable products,… Seoul aims to expand upcycling centers throughout the city,… and halve its use of plastics by 2022.
Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.
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