Korean Expat Community for National Disasters

Hello everyone, welcome to my podcast! My name is Natnael Yosefe, and today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately climate action and how small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference. Specifically, I’ll be sharing my experiences with recycling in South Korea and comparing it to how things work in my home country. Did you know that South Korea has one of the most advanced recycling systems in the world? But it’s not just about the system it’s about how people here have embraced it as part of their daily lives. Let me tell you about my journey of adapting to this system and what it taught me about fighting climate change." When I first arrived in South Korea, I was amazed by how seriously people take recycling here. There are separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and food waste, and everyone follows the rules strictly. At first, it felt overwhelming I had to learn what goes where, and I even got a few reminders from my dormitory neighbors for mixing things up! For example, did you know that in South Korea, you have to buy special government-issued trash bags for general waste? If you don’t use them, your trash won’t be collected. It’s a system that encourages people to recycle as much as possible because recycling is free, but throwing away general waste costs money. Over time, I realized how effective this system is in reducing waste and protecting the environment. South Korea recycles about 60% of its waste, which is one of the highest rates in the world. It’s inspiring to see how a whole society can come together to make such a big impact." In my home country, recycling isn’t as organized. We have recycling bins, but they’re often mixed with regular trash, and people don’t always follow the rules. For example, back home, I used to throw everything into one bin without thinking too much about it. But here in South Korea, I’ve learned to separate my trash carefully—even food waste has to go into a specific biodegradable bag. It made me realize how much of a difference a well-organized system and community effort can make. South Korea’s recycling culture has inspired me to be more mindful about waste, even when I go back home. Now, I always think twice before throwing something away can it be recycled? Can I reuse it? These small changes add up." Recycling is just one small part of fighting climate change, but it’s a powerful one. By reducing waste, we’re cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and conserving resources. South Korea’s approach shows that when a society comes together to tackle environmental issues, real change is possible. But recycling isn’t the only thing South Korea is doing to fight climate change. For example, many cafes here encourage customers to use reusable cups by offering discounts, and there are even apps that reward you for recycling properly. It’s made me think about other ways I can contribute, like using public transportation, reducing plastic use, and supporting eco-friendly policies. Living here has taught me that climate action starts with small, everyday choices. Whether it’s recycling, using a reusable water bottle, or simply being mindful of our consumption, we all have a role to play." Living in South Korea has been an eye-opening experience when it comes to climate action. It’s shown me that small changes, like recycling properly, can have a big impact when everyone works together. I hope my experience inspires you to think about how you can make a difference in your own community. If you’re living in South Korea, I’d love to hear your thoughts on recycling and climate action. And if you’re from another country, how does recycling work where you live? Let’s start a conversation and share ideas on how we can all contribute to a healthier planet. Thanks for listening, and remember every small action counts. See you next time!"