South Korea’s Gyeryong City Pioneers Carbon Neutrality with Upcycled School Supplies for International Aid

Gyeryong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea, is leading a sustainability initiative by transforming discarded textiles into essential school supplies, simultaneously promoting carbon neutrality and supporting youth in developing nations. The project, a collaboration between the Gyeryong City Volunteer Center and the ‘Onsweat Sharing Volunteer Group’, began on February 19, 2026, and is scheduled to continue through November.

From Waste to Worth: The Power of Upcycling

The core of this initiative lies in upcycling discarded clothing, specifically jeans and traditional Korean garments (hanbok), into practical items for students. This approach directly addresses landfill waste and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of latest materials. The Gyeryong City Volunteer Center successfully implemented a similar project last year, producing household items from approximately 1,000 pairs of discarded jeans, earning recognition at the ‘Gyeryong City Carbon Neutrality Excellent Policy Selection Contest’ [1].

Expanding International Support

This year’s project expands on previous successes by focusing on international aid. The upcycled materials will be crafted into eco-bags, pouches, and pencil cases, which will then be distributed to 100 young people in developing countries. This builds on South Korea’s commitment to international cooperation and resourcefulness in addressing global climate challenges [1].

Citizen Participation and Volunteer Opportunities

The project actively encourages citizen participation through non-face-to-face volunteer opportunities. Residents can contribute by washing and submitting jeans and hanbok, earning recognition for 1 hour (jeans) or 3 hours (hanbok) of volunteer function. This fosters a sense of community involvement in the city’s sustainability efforts.

Gyeryong City’s Commitment to a Circular Economy

Gyeryong City’s dedication to resource management is further demonstrated by the Household Resource Recovery Center, which achieved an 87% sorting rate in 2024 – the highest in the nation [2]. The center, completed in March 2024, processes 1,456 tons of recyclable waste annually and generated approximately 147 million won in revenue in 2024 through the sale of recovered materials [2]. These initiatives align with Chungcheongnam-do province’s broader efforts to respond to climate change and promote carbon neutrality [3].

About Gyeryong City

Gyeryong City, established in 2003 after splitting from Nonsan, is located in southeastern South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It is home to Gyeryongdae, the headquarters of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, with approximately half of its 46,687 residents (as of September 2024) connected to the military [4]. Mayor Lee Eung-woo is currently leading the city’s efforts towards sustainability and community development [4].