In celebration of Environment Day on June 5th, public services that contribute to environmental protection through small daily actions are gaining attention. The Ministry of Interior and Safety has introduced the 'Unused Pharmaceutical Collection Service' and the 'Carbon Neutrality Points System' as this month's recommended public services, presenting ways for citizens to enjoy both environmental protection and everyday benefits.
Unused Medicines, Now Safely to the Mailbox!
Expired or denatured medicines are often carelessly thrown into general waste bins. However, such improperly discarded medicines contaminate rivers and soil, ultimately leading to ecological disturbances and serious environmental problems. The broad impact includes drug residues affecting fish or other organisms, and an increased risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to misuse of antibiotics. Previously, collection bins at community centers or pharmacies were available, but limited accessibility often meant that unused pharmaceuticals were not properly disposed of.
To address these issues, the Korea Post and local governments have been operating the 'Unused Pharmaceutical Collection Service' since 2023 in collaboration. This service allows individuals to simply seal expired medicines or denatured ointments in an envelope and place them in any nearby mailbox. Postal workers then collect them and deliver them to a safe location designated by the local government, which then processes them through incineration or landfill.
The method for disposing of unused pharmaceuticals is very simple. Just seal the medicines in an envelope clearly marked 'Unused Pharmaceuticals' (either a dedicated collection envelope or a regular one). The location of nearby mailboxes can be easily found through portal sites, the Korea Post website, the Korea Post app, or by scanning the QR code printed on the unused pharmaceutical collection envelope. This service is expected to significantly contribute to increasing the proper disposal rate of unused pharmaceuticals by resolving existing inconveniences and enabling citizens to more easily participate in environmental protection. Furthermore, efforts are ongoing to minimize environmental impact by introducing methods that classify and process pharmaceuticals based on their components.
Environmental Action That Becomes Money: The 'Carbon Neutrality Points System'
The Carbon Neutrality Points System is a public participation program overseen by the Ministry of Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute, which awards points for engaging in eco-friendly activities in daily life. This system aims to encourage voluntary eco-friendly practices among citizens and accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral society.
A wide range of activities qualify for point accumulation through participation in the Carbon Neutrality Points System:
Energy Saving: Points are awarded based on the reduction rate when electricity, water, and gas consumption are cut compared to the previous year. This is one of the most basic environmental protection activities that can be easily practiced at home.
Reduced Car Mileage: Points can also be earned by reducing car mileage, such as by participating in the car-free day system or increasing public transportation use. This directly contributes to reducing air pollutant emissions. (Note: The automobile sector has a separate recruitment period each year, and new applications are currently not available.)
Eco-friendly Consumption: This includes issuing electronic receipts, using reusable cups, and purchasing eco-friendly products. Simply choosing eco-friendly products instead of carelessly using disposable items allows you to participate in environmental protection and earn points. When purchasing eco-friendly products, look for the eco-label certification mark attached to the product.
Returning Unused Mobile Phones: Points are accumulated when unused mobile phones are returned to designated collection points. Unused mobile phones contain a large amount of recyclable precious and rare metals, so proper recycling greatly helps prevent resource waste and reduce environmental pollution.
Accumulated points can be redeemed in various forms, including Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, cash, and local gift certificates, providing tangible benefits. In particular, up to 270,000 won in points can be earned annually depending on the energy reduction rate, making it an 'environmental practice that pays.' This serves as a strong incentive to encourage active public participation.
Participation in the Carbon Neutrality Points System is possible through each sector's website and the integrated 'Carbon Pay' app. The government is also expanding various other carbon neutrality practice programs and plans to further strengthen incentives for eco-friendly activities through collaboration with businesses.
Lee Yong-seok, head of the Digital Government Innovation Office, stated, "Small actions create big changes," and added, "We will continue to provide innovative public services for a sustainable future." The unused pharmaceutical mailbox collection service and the Carbon Neutrality Points System are exemplary cases that enable citizens to easily participate in environmental protection in their daily lives and enjoy benefits in return. It is hoped that these services will become even more active, laying the foundation for a healthy planet and a sustainable future.
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