Seollal, or the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most cherished holidays in Korea. In 2025, Seollal falls on Jan 29th, with celebrations typically spanning from Jan 28th (the day before) to Jan 30th (the day after). Families across the nation are preparing for festive gatherings, ancestral rituals, and, of course, elaborate meals filled with traditional dishes like tteokguk (rice cake soup) and jeon (savory pancakes).
But as much as this holiday fosters togetherness and gratitude, it also brings about a less celebrated reality: food waste. During Seollal, the abundance of food prepared often leads to leftovers being discarded, creating a spike in food waste. Recognizing this growing concern, Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s Seo-Incheon branch has stepped up with a timely and impactful campaign aimed at reducing food waste during the holiday season.
Shincheonji’s Food Waste Reduction Campaign
On January 16th, Shincheonji Volunteer Group held a “Food Waste Reduction Campaign” near Gajeong Jungang Market Station in Incheon. The event was part of their ongoing “Nature, Let’s Be Green” initiative, which promotes eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.
During the campaign, volunteers shared practical tips to help citizens minimize food waste, such as:
- Creating a detailed shopping list to avoid over-purchasing.
- Draining excess moisture from food before disposal.
- Using leftovers creatively to prepare new meals.
To add a festive touch, the event included activities like traditional Korean games (e.g., yutnori), along with giveaways of hot packs and small gifts. Following the educational segment, 18 volunteers conducted an environmental cleanup around the market area, ensuring the community stayed both informed and clean.
The Cost of Food Waste
According to data shared during the campaign, the average South Korean produces 310 grams of food waste daily, contributing to a nationwide total of 14,000 tons per day. The annual cost of managing this waste amounts to an astonishing 20 trillion won.
A participant at the campaign expressed, “This year, I’ll only prepare the amount of food my family can realistically consume. I’d like to save money and resources while also helping those in need.” Another attendee highlighted the importance of simplifying traditional ceremonial meals to reduce waste.
A Sustainable Seollal for Future Generations
With Lunar New Year just weeks away, Shincheonji Volunteer Group’s campaign comes at the perfect time to inspire more conscious and sustainable celebrations. By reducing food waste, families can honor the spirit of Seollal—not just by showing respect for their ancestors, but also by showing care for the environment.
This campaign is just one of many efforts led by Shincheonji Volunteer Group, which also engages in activities like wildfire prevention, river cleanups, and nature conservation. Their consistent commitment to community service sets a meaningful example of how small actions can create significant change.
As we approach this Lunar New Year, let’s remember the values of sharing and gratitude that Seollal embodies. Together, we can celebrate in a way that respects tradition while building a greener future for generations to come.
Happy Seollal! 🌱
Source: https://vo.la/bfydEf
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