Maurice SkinnerIt’s no secret that there is an excess use of plastic and other non-reusable materials in Japan. Moreover, compared to cities in other countries, beginning a sustainable lifestyle in bigger cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya or Osaka might prove difficult if you don’t know where to start.
However, it is not impossible. If a sustainable lifestyle in Japan is what you’re looking for, then these companies, shops and NGOs might help put you on the right path to a zero waste life.
Zojirushi
Plastic bottle use runs rampant throughout Japan. Due to its ease of use and availability in every convenience store and supermarket in Japan, plastic use is excessive in Japan. (However, it is worth noting that this is an issue the majority of countries are trying to tackle.)
Japan’s Zojirushi has a remarkable solution. With “My bottle is a baton” as a slogan, Zojirushi looks to significantly reduce the amount of plastics used in Japan. They do this by providing an interactive map of cafes and tea shops that allow customers to bring their own bottles. The refill spots span throughout the country and allow customers at these specific cafes and tea shops to lead a sustainable way of life by promoting zero waste opportunities.
Zojirushi also provides top of the line bottles that are made to last and will help cut your use of plastic bottles to zero. Zojirushi has also gone to great lengths to provide water stations at no cost to its users during events, such as the internationally renowned Fuji Rock. The company will continue to push its narrative forward in order to provide clean drinking water, as well as eliminate the need to use plastic bottles.
Second Hand Shops
Not exactly a single company or entity, but there are plenty of second-hand clothing shops filled with clothing looking for new owners. These shops are primarily useful because they do not give way into fast fashion, which can be wasteful and extremely harmful to the environment.
Throughout most of Japan’s major metropolitan areas, one of the best places to wander through is Tokyo’s Shimokitazawa district. Shimokitazawa holds a number of thrift stores such as Toyo Hayakatten Shimokita Garage Department Store. This store holds an assortment of vintage clothing and has something for everyone.
If getting to one of Japan’s major cities is a problem, how about making an order online? A great place to look is Furugishion. Not only does this website give you the chance to purchase clothing, but it is also possible to sell old garments so they do not go to waste.
Eco Store
Eco store is a wonderful place where one doesn’t have to feel as though they are burdening the environment when buying consumables. This shop sells many products that are considered organic and sustainable. Not only that, their zero waste refill stations are also its cornerstone to curb the use of plastic containers and other wasteful materials.
Although Eco Store was founded in New Zealand, it is certainly making its mark in Japan. As mentioned, this store is unique because customers are able to bring their own containers to fill with cleaning liquid with products that are environmentally safe.
On top of practicing zero waste policy, Eco Store is also cruelty and child labor free, and guarantees satisfaction with their products. Although the store has a location in Shibuya, they also provide an online store for customers who do not reside in Tokyo.
Far East Bazaar
Just like Eco store, Far East Bazaar is a bulk store located in several different locations around Japan. What makes this store special is its various consumables within their stores. If you’re looking for nuts, sugar, flour or other consumables to add to your diet, Far East Bazaar has you covered.
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This store requires you to bring your own containers in order to take the product home. This reduces a significant amount of waste usually found at normal super markets. Far East Bazaar’s products are fair trade, organic, and considered sustainable. The quality of their products is of the most importance, especially since it is important for Far East Bazaar to have not only a sustainable product, but also products made with quality and love.
Furthermore, when making purchases on the company’s website, customers have the option to choose whether or not to wrap their purchases; each product on their website gives its buyers whether they would like to lead a more sustainable life.
LUSH
LUSH, a handmade cosmetics brand, is the perfect stop for those looking for not only top quality soaps and shampoos, but the store also prides itself on providing ethical products. Furthermore, all of their products are 100% vegetarian, free of cruelty toward animals, and of course are free from packaging that is harmful to the environment.
LUSH’s products not only keep the body clean, but they are made into interesting designs. For example, if you’re looking to take an aromatic bath to relax, LUSH has you covered. Moreover, there are also several stores scattered around Tokyo and its outer areas. For those who might not be based in Tokyo, ordering online is also an option.
LUSH has a variety of soaps, face wash, and other environmentally friendly products that customers may purchase with just a click of a button. Furthermore, LUSH’s website also lists ingredients used in their products. Although the website is in Japanese, there is an English section for non-Japanese speakers available in order to make easy purchases.
