With the worldwide call to save this only Earth we have, Japan is starting to pay attention to its own consumption and waste issues. Even though the feeling of “mottainai” (a sense of “waste not”) is deeply embedded in the Japanese culture, the Japanese know that there is still more they can do for the environment. One of those methods is a having a zero waste mindset.
Tables of content
- Zero Waste in Japan
- Laws and Regulations related to Zero Waste
- Zero Waste case studies in Japan
- Organizations Promoting Zero Waste Lifestyle in Japan
- The latest news about Zero Waste in Japan
Zero Waste in Japan
Google Trend shows that Zero Waste has just started to boom
More and more Japanese have become more aware of waste related issues, such as plastic dependency, microplastics and Japan’s own recycling rate. Along with this comes the need to reduce waste, including striving for a zero waste lifestyle. The term didn’t gain much interest until around the mid-2019, when SDGs awareness and the need for a circular economy in Japan started to gain traction. However, 2021 seems to be the year where zero waste is finally going to find firm footing in Japan.
Zero waste was also a hot mention a decade ago when it surrounded the recycling theme. Although the interest of zero waste is returning, the mentions are still not what it used to be. This is due to awareness of similar topics such as sustainability and circular economy.
Japan’s Zero Waste Town, Kamikatsu
We would think that an advanced lifestyle choice such as zero waste would only exist in an urban city. However, the small town Kamikatsu in Tokushima, Japan is already well on its way to become Japan’s first zero waste town.
With less than 1,600 in population, the town has implemented various initiatives behind its zero waste policy. This includes the citizens participation in dividing their garbage into 45 categories. The town leverages on its disposal center as a communal area for disseminating waste information too. Find out what awaits Kamikatsu beyond Zero Waste 2020 too!
Right now, there is a INOW program in collaboration with Kamikatsu’s Zero Waste Center to offer a stay-and-experience for visitors. This program is aimed at who are interested in learning the sustainable aspects of Kamikatsu and their success in progress as a zero waste town.
Read about zero-waste town Kamikatsu here
Zero Waste Marche in Tokyo
Of course, Tokyo is one of the best places to spread the concept of Zero Waste. Considering its population density and consumerism lifestyle, it is also essential to do so. The Zero Waste Marche is a materialization of that concept.
The Zero Waste Marche brings together the ideas of reducing plastics in Japan and of supporting Farmer’s Market. Customers are exposed to both as they browse the stalls along Shibuya streets. In turn, they think for themselves: how supporting local products can help them reduce the waste they produce.
Learn more about Shibuya’s Zero Waste Marche here
No Package Stores Map in Japan
One of the hints that suggests a trend sweeping across a community or city is the efforts of its citizens. And that is what we are seeing for Zero Waste. Blogs and websites dedicated to zero waste and waste reduction are aplenty in Japan, which provides maps and lists of ethical stores or places to shop in bulk.
[Reference] Bulk shopping map in JapanLaws and Regulations related to Zero Waste
In 2019, The Government enacted a new law to reduce food waste
The Japanese parliament has passed a new law that aims to facilitate the use of food banks and create awareness for the food loss problem. Passed on May 24, the law states that it is the responsibility of both the national government and local authorities to reduce food loss.
Furthermore, it requires the national government to examine and consider issues of responsibility related to food bank donations. In addition, the law also stipulates that every October 30 will be Food Loss Reduction Day in Japan.
[Reference] Promotion of Food Loss Reduction lawZero Waste case studies in Japan
Kamikatsu Town “Zero Waste” Declaration
As we have shared previous, Kamikatsu aims to be a Zero Waste town by 2020. It is truly admirable, and will become a model city for other towns and cities to emulate. But Kamikatsu Town is not stopping there.
Other than rallying residents to exercise garbage disposal, Kamikatsu also plans to open a new waste collection complex in 2020. Furthermore, it has established a Zero Waste Accreditation System to promote zero waste and bolster Kamikatsu’s economy. The INOW program also started recently to assist interested parties to visit the town and learn about its successful practices.
Read about zero-waste town Kamikatsu here
Omura Town “Mottainai” Declaration
Kamikatsu Town is not the only town committed to zero waste. Omuri Town is another Japanese town that has declared its commitment to a Mottainai town. Mottainai is the feeling of waste, and thus the drive to prevent it.
While Omura Town’s Mottainai declaration is the same as a zero waste declaration, Omura Town’s main concern is for the younger generation. It wants to ensure that the future is one that the children can enjoy.
[Reference] Omura Town “Mottainai” DeclarationJapan’s first zero waste supermarket by Totoya, “Zero Waste Market”
Totoya just launched Japan’s first zero waste supermarket in Kyoto, called “Zero Waste Market.” And it has drawn a lot of attention from communities supporting zero waste, food loss and food waste, plastic alternatives and, of course, the media. It will feature the usual bulk store sale, no plastic checkout, and a wide variety of product for choice. This is a good time to be Kyoto right now!
Organizations promoting Zero Waste Lifestyle in Japan
- Zero Waste Academy – Based in Zero Waste Town Kamikatsu, this organization is promoting a society of zero waste.
- 530 Week – It organizes a week-long campaign promoting collaboration between the government, companies and consumers, thus pushing for a sustainable society of zero waste.
Zero Waste Japan – Zero Waste Japan offers certification to encourage businesses to adopt zero waste practices. The certifications include fashion, restaurants and shared offices.