Hello. I am Hyeongju Jin from Belgium.
If you want to know more about me, please refer to my introduction on this Handong Platform.
https://saebeomi.blogspot.com/2026/06/handong-friend-hyeongju-jin-from.html
H (HOME / The Environmental Context & Problem Identification)
While participating in an international student eco-tour event in Ghent, Belgium, I explored various local eco-friendly shops. I was highly interested in the upcycled clothing, but the expensive price tags made it unaffordable for average students. Although some green subsidy programs exist, they seem to fall short of providing direct, tangible discounts for everyday consumers. This gap likely explains why green shops face stagnant sales and why citizens who genuinely want to practice sustainable consumption still find it economically burdensome.
2.O (OBSTACLE / Root Cause Analysis)
The root cause is the structural limitation of existing green subsidy programs, which fail to directly bridge the gap between eco-friendly values and high market prices. Current systems often favor corporate employees (e.g., eco-cheques) or offer negligible post-purchase rewards, making them less accessible for students and regular citizens. Without a dynamic, daily-life incentive system linked to real resource conservation, sustainable products remain an economic burden for everyday consumers.
3. P (PLAN / The Data-Driven Incentive Solution)
To solve this, the government will provide discount coupons and cashback for purchasing eco-friendly clothing and goods. However, these rewards are earned through action: the government will track utility data (electricity, water, and fuel usage). Households or individuals who stay within the bottom 30% of average usage will receive these eco-coupons. To drive maximum participation, the top 5% of eco-friendly households will receive even higher discount rates, creating a virtuous cycle where sustainable living makes sustainable shopping more affordable.
4. E (EXECUTE / Civic Proposal & Technical Execution Plan)
Execute this policy legally and safely through civic engagement and technical infrastructure:
- Civic Petition: A Belgian citizen will
formally submit this policy proposal to the government through the
official citizen petition system, ensuring the policy is designed fairly
and equitably for all demographics.
- Inter-Agency Data
Integration: Relevant government authorities will securely link public utility
databases (electricity and water) and fuel consumption records into a
unified verification network.
- Security & Administrative
Measures:
Implement advanced data encryption and strict cybersecurity protocols to
process personal carbon reduction data safely without risking privacy
leaks, ensuring a smooth and error-free launch of the eco-coupon
platform.
