Jeju Island is currently introducing a “disposable cup deposit system”to promote a resource-cycle society. However, this system applies to 105 brands with over 100 franchises and approximately 38,000 cafes. Private cafes are exempt however, making efforts like deposits and encouraging the use of personal tumblers slow to catch on.

Despite this, some environmentally conscious private cafes operate in eco-friendly ways, bypassing the deposit system. For instance, a cafe in Nohyeong-dong offers discounts on menu items if customers bring their own tumblers or dessert containers. Additionally, they receive donations from customers to reduce the use of disposable coffee carriers, instead encouraging reusable options. Even in restrooms, patrons save tissues by using handkerchiefs in tissue boxes.

These eco-friendly initiatives in private cafes wield a stronger nudge power compared to the government’s current “system.” A nudge, as defined by lawyer Kath Sunstein, is a soft intervention that influences people’s choices.

A frequent cafe visitor commented, “Visiting this cafe made me reconsider eco-friendly practices I had ignored. It gave me the courage to adopt these habits at home.” Furthermore, the community actively participates in recycling disposable items, collecting beverage carriers and cup holders while delivering drinks, and bringing them to cafes to protect the environment. An employee of one such cafe expressed, “I never thought much about the environment, but seeing customers’ compliments made me environmentally conscious, leading to changes in our cafe’s practices.”

While government regulations and social pressures can drive changes, soft interventions by individuals can naturally integrate eco-conscious habits into daily life, often yielding a more profound impact. Recognizing the influence each person has on others is crucial, in fostering personal change within communities.

In conclusion, government policies lay the groundwork for a sustainable future, while the catalyst for real change often comes from the grassroots. With private cafes, active individuals, and community-led joint efforts, Jeju Island is not just witnessing a change in coffee culture but fostering a more eco-friendly and conscious society. By praising these small but meaningful steps, Jeju Island is definitely moving towards a wider level of sustainability.