Korea has a new problem to deal with: namely the disposal of plastic waste.<br />The government is looking to sharply reduce the use of plastic in the nation.<br />They hope to prevent the buildup of waste we saw at apartment complexes earlier this year... when garbage trucks stopped picking them up... as it was no longer cost-effective.<br />Hong Yoo reports. <br /> People reach for plastic bags for their groceries despite signs urging them to help the environment by using fewer bags.<br />But from October, plastic bags will no longer be used in South Korean supermarkets.<br />This is part of the government's measures, announced last Thursday, to manage recyclable waste.<br /><br /> "Reducing the use of disposable products and increasing recycling to become a society with sustainable resource circulation is an inevitable choice."<br /><br /> The countermeasures differ from the past because they also aim to reduce waste right from when the products are made.<br /><br /> "To make recycling easier, all colored plastic drinks bottles must be replaced by clear plastic bottles by 2020, and their labels must be easily detachable."<br /><br /> "It was a proper decision. Thoughtless exaggerated packaging and the endless use of plastic bags are contaminating our environment. So it is a good countermeasure."<br /><br /> "I bring my own shopping bag to help the environment at least a little bit."<br /><br /> To reduce the use of plastic cups in fast-food restaurants and cafes, the Environment Ministry will offer a 10 percent discount to customers who bring their own tumblers, and free refills to those that use mugs inside stores. <br /><br /> Along with the countermeasures, cooperation from the public and related businesses is crucial in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste.<br />Hong Yoo, Arirang News. <br />
