Aug. 1, 2018. It means shops cannot serve plastic cups to in-store customers.
  A customer who visits a café might be asked, “Would you like to drink that here?” Since Aug. 1, 2018, under a directive from the Ministry of Environment, cafes all around the nation must not serve a disposal plastic cup to a customer who drinks inside the store. Following a law about saving resources and boosting recycling, the government will impose a maximum 2 million won fine if a store serves plastic cups to in-door customers. It is for protecting the environment and reducing plastics. The motivation for this law is desirable. However, the law has a lack of publicity, so people have no time to learn about the law exactly. Therefore, workers and customers are experiencing inconvenience.
  Yeonju Park (an employee at Twosome place) said, “I get the same wage, but I have to wash dishes all the time. My duties doubled. Also, some customers complain about being served drinks in multi-use cups. Others ask me for a plastic cup even though it is banned. When a customer goes upstairs with a plastic cup, we can do nothing. Because of a blind spot, we cannot check every customer.” Retailers are not happy with the policy because many customers still favor disposable cups. Experts also point out some blind spots that can cause disputes.
  Changhyun Park (’15 Dept. of English Language and Literature) said, “It is quite true. I am worried about the sanity of reusable cups. They are for everyone. Also, I cannot aways finish my drink in a store. But with a reusable cup, I cannot leave. Plastic cups is useful. I can leave anyway with it. Using a plastic cup is more convenient. We all understand the need for this law, but it’s still hard to follow.” The law about plastic cups is not yet settled or fully understood, so stores and customers are struggling with the change.
  Mihwa Kim (Chief of Korea Zero Waste Movement Network) said, “In a year, 7 million tons of plastics are used. We must reduce plastic usage. Plastic cups and straws are hard to recycle. There are many difficulties, but the best way is by using our own cups. That is the most sanitary and eco-friendly way. We should solve environmental problems together. Customers also need to be aware and figure out ways to protect our environment.” To reduce inconvenience, the government also has to create efficient plans such as size-upgrading promotions or giving benefits to retailers who minimize the use of disposal cups. People also need to refrain from using plastics. Moreover, everyone has to have an eco-friendly mind.
  The Ministry of Environment and local governments announced they will regulate the use of plastic in s strict way. Cafes and customers are in chaos. A sudden change of atmosphere confuses people. However, some say this kind of restriction is necessary to reduce the usage of plastic. It is not natural to use plastic cups in stores anymore. The world needs a change, and we also need to change.
  26 billion disposable cups are used every year. We must reduce the use of disposable products. Also, we must reduce the use of plastics which threaten the environment and our health. Stores and the government need to discuss and reorganize the laws. Moreover, the government, companies, and people always need to pay attention to nature too. Our small actions can help the whole world.

By Lim Chae-won l cw39@cbnu.ac.kr
Illustraed by Park Han-na