The use of single-use plastic bags is banned at supermarkets beginning the first day of April. A three month transitional period was implemented from January this year.

Let’s now take a look at how the islanders are coping with this change.

Mike Balfour reports.

[slug] Ara-dong, Jeju City

Public officials from the Environment Management Department of Jeju City are visiting a supermarket for site inspection.

[slug] Use of disposable plastic bag monitored

Following a three month transitional period from January this year, use of disposable plastic bags is banned at supermarkets beginning the first day of April.

[slug] Use of plastic bags banned at shops of 165+㎡

The use of plastic bags is completely banned at all supermarkets 165 square meters or larger.

[slug] Fines to be up to 3 million won

When a supermarket is found offering a single-use plastic bag to its customers, fines up to 3 million won will be imposed depending on the number of violations.

INTERVIEW
Go Gyeong-rim / Living Environment Department, Jeju City
The plastic bag use ban is applied regardless of type of business. The supermarket takes responsibility for violations made by stores within premises.
[인터뷰 고경림 / 제주시 생활환경과 자원순환팀장 ]
"업종이 다양하더라도 슈퍼마켓의 법률 적용을 받습니다. 위반됐을 경우 누가 처벌받느냐 총괄을 맡은 마트측이 책임을 져야 하는 부분이 있어요."

On the first day of the ban, consumers are not fully aware of the policy.

[slug] Consumers not fully aware of policy

Among consumers there is a lack of understanding on the need to reduce plastic bags.

[slug] Exemptions from plastic bag use ban

With respect to the policy itself, the policy confuses consumers because it allows use of plastic bags for some items.

Rolled plastic bags are allowed to be used for wet items of tofu, fish and meat and unpackaged fresh vegetables and fruits.

Disagreements over the use of a rolled plastic bag were observed between a shopper who didn't bring a shopping bag and a shop owner who is concerned about fines.

INTERVIEW
Go Hye-jin / Employee, Supermarket
Some shoppers tear off the plastic bag roll instead. I tell them it is banned as well, but they just shrug and leave saying that it is probably okay to use them.
[인터뷰 고혜진 / 00마트 ]
"롤 비닐을 5장 가져가세요. (롤 비닐도 안돼요라고 해도) 롤 비닐을 가져가도 써도 되지 않아 하면서 가져가세요."

[slug] Cardboard boxes also banned at supermarkets in Jeju

Additionally, unlike other parts of the nation, the island bans provision of cardboard boxes in an effort to reduce trash.

If a shopper has not prepared packaging, they have to buy an official trash bag or a reusable shopping bag at the checkout counter.

The island continues to create increasing volumes of waste each year.

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Park Byeong-jun

Before it is too late, all consumers need to adopt a more environmentally friendly lifestyle to effect change.

Mike Balfour, KCTV