"You cannot bring food in disposable containers when entering. Please dispose of them here. Please make it an eco-friendly performance."
On the 18th, during a festival held in a park in Songdo New City, Yeonsu District, Incheon, thousands of audience members gathered to see famous artists like Jaurim and Nerdconnection. As they entered the performance venue, the staff yelled this out. They also checked bags to ensure that disposable containers were not brought in. The table placed in front of the entrance was filled with plastic drink cups and snack wrappers.
However, an audience member named Ahn (26) said, "I don't know if this is really an eco-friendly policy." Various foods such as tteokbokki, skewers, beer, and yogurt were sold inside the venue, but they were sold in disposable containers made of paper or plastic. Ahn added, "I threw away my ice cup at the entrance because I was told I couldn't bring it in, but they were selling the same ice cups inside at the convenience store."
◇"Dispose of disposable containers at the entrance"... Selling food and drinks in disposable containers inside
Similar circumstances exist for other private events. A festival held on the 26th of last month in a park in Sangam-dong, Mapo District, Seoul, also strictly enforced a ban on bringing in disposable containers. However, inside the venue, tteokbokki and kimchi noodles were sold in disposable paper bowls. Beer and soft drinks were sold in clear plastic cups.
Recently, Kim (28), who participated in a festival, stated, "I can't understand why they prohibit disposable containers while using them inside."
According to the performance industry on the 22nd, many event organizers at performance venues are restricting the entry of food in disposable containers, claiming that they will reduce waste output. An industry official noted, "It's a measure to create a pleasant environment by reducing waste." They added, "Most festivals operate in a similar manner."
However, performance attendees are expressing their discomfort. For example, to bring a hamburger set into the venue, burgers and fries must be in sealed containers, and drinks must be in tumblers.
Critics argue that such restrictions on bringing disposable containers into performance venues are excessive compared to cinemas or sports events. In cinemas, outside food is allowed, and most types of containers can be brought in regardless of their kind. In baseball stadiums, bringing in outside food is permitted, with no restrictions based on packaging type or material. For audience safety, only PET bottles exceeding 1 liter are banned from entry.
Lee Eun-hee, a professor of consumer studies at Inha University, commented, "From the consumer's perspective, the operating standards may feel inconsistent," adding that "clearer principles are needed."
◇Using reusable containers can make it eco-friendly... Festival industry says "The cleaning expense is burdensome"
There are suggestions that instead of banning food in disposable containers, providing reusable containers can be an alternative. This would not only be superficially eco-friendly but could also enable truly eco-friendly events.
Some local governments are enacting ordinances to mandate the use of reusable containers for events organized by the public. According to the waste management ordinance in Seoul, events hosted by the city that are expected to have over 1,000 participants are banned from using disposable containers and can only use reusable ones.
In fact, the K-Food Festival, held weekly at Gwanghwamun Square, has been using reusable containers since last year and has set up a separate return station in one corner of the venue. Used reusable containers are cleaned by a specialized company.
However, private organizers hosting festivals argue that using reusable containers is economically burdensome. This is due to the significant collection and cleaning expenses and the potential for sanitation-related complaints.
A representative of a festival organizing company said, "It costs over 10 million won to implement reusable containers." Another official stated, "I believe it is meaningful just to deliver an eco-friendly message by prohibiting disposable containers."