Maurice SkinnerMore brands in Japan and around the world are turning to recycled plastics. It has some of the most stringent policies when it comes to recycling plastics. However, how effective are recycled plastics in Japan, and how are they affecting the country’s (and the world’s) environment? Furthermore, what are the leading alternatives to plastics?
History of recycling within Japan
It is important to first examine the history of recycling within Japan and how it has impacted the country’s environment. Since 1997, Japan has been one of the leading countries when it comes to recycling plastics. During that same year, businesses and companies were obligated for the first time to separate plastics from other waste. Moreover, according to the country’s Plastic Waste Management Institute, 77% of plastic was recycled in 2010.
Currently, Japan has one of the most detailed recycling systems in the world. For most people, separating trash, burnables, plastics, and other materials is second nature. Consumers are now required to follow sorting guidelines that have been enacted by local municipalities. Most stores and restaurants in Japan have clearly labeled bins for recycling, and it seems that not properly separating trash and recyclables is looked down upon nationwide.
Plastic waste is one of the biggest concerns for Japan
Aside from Japan, many other countries have also taken initiative in order to combat plastic waste; but when examining negative factors accompanied with the production of plastics there are many negative factors causing adverse impacts on the environment.
Although Japan has some of the most strict policies when it comes to recycling plastics, it is also the second largest importer of plastic waste in the world. In 2017, Japan produced roughly 9 million tons of plastic waste. During this time, only 23% of plastic was recycled while 62% was used for power generation, as well as waste heat and conversion to fuel.
At the same time, while only 40% was recycled domestically, the rest was exported to other countries. Up until 2017, Japan would ship around 1.5 million tons of trash to China each year. Since then, China has placed a ban on how much trash it will take in from other countries, which has led Japan to send their plastic to other countries in Southeast Asia. At the same time, because these countries in Southeast Asia have also implemented their own bans, Japan is now facing a plastic pile up crisis.
Use of plastic is embedded deeply in Japanese culture
Behavior toward the use of plastic among most countries is far from perfect. Within Japan, consumers tend to prefer individually wrapped gifts, products, and materials. This trend of consumerism currently aids in the increase of plastic consumption. Consumers also use as many as 30 billion shopping bags per year. Not only is plastic use by consumers a major issue around the world, but the rising waste in the world’s oceans.
Currently, the largest garbage patch floating in the ocean happens to be the Great Pacific Water Patch. The Great Pacific Water Patch is three times the size of France, weighs more than 43,000 vehicles, and contains more than 1.8 million tons of plastic. Moreover, plastic waste in the ocean tends to break down into microplastics due heat and light exposure. Fish in the North Pacific ingest approximately 12,000 to 14,000 tons of plastic each year, consequently leading to intestinal injury and death.
According to Japan’s Environmental Agency, an estimated amount of 20,000 to 60,000 tons of Japan’s plastics end up in the sea each year. Even though Japan is one of the leading countries when it comes to strict policies with regard to recycled plastics, it shares the same problems other countries are battling regarding pollution.
Where we are at with tackling waste problems
What are a few alternatives and actions being taken within Japan and around the world?
There have been plenty of initiatives in order to combat plastic waste around the world. In the United States of America, some cities and counties have already banned plastic bags from their stores. Consumers in Japan have already started changing their shopping habits when visiting a supermarket. Because many supermarkets charge for plastic bags, plenty of people now bring reusable bags when picking up groceries. Even convenience stores are in progress to stop the use of plastics. The Plastic Pollution Commission, a global alliance of 750 organizations, businesses, and thought leaders, are now working toward building a world that is plastic free. This includes providing information regarding the use of plastics and the material’s use on our planet.
Plastic substitutes are also available, and glass is just one alternative. Unlike plastics, glass is derived from sand and has the potential of a 100% recycling rate. Furthermore, glass can be recycled over and over without losing its integrity; comparatively, recycling plastics becomes more difficult after each round. Another alternative is bioplastic. Bioplastics are typically created by different sources such as corn. Other substitutes include wood pulp cellophane, edible six-pack rings, and palm leaves.
We talked about behavior, and there are rising trends in Japan that are inspiring other Japanese to what is possible. Zero waste town Kamikatsu shows how a community can come together to categorize 45 types of waste. Circular economies and sharing economies are also being promoted as a lifestyle, even to the point of saying that circular economy succeeds responsible consumption. These are advanced methods to deal with plastics and avoid plastic waste.
Need more commitment than plastic alternatives
Japan has done a tremendous job in attempting to combat the growing plastic waste issue with their stringent recycling policies. Unfortunately, although the country is helping pave the way when it comes to separating waste and plastic, there is still much work to be done. Countries must act quickly to eliminate recycled waste. Luckily local communities, startups, and businesses are working tirelessly in order to save our planet. It is also important for humans to realize that their individual use of plastic goes a long way. If each person becomes aware of how much trash is produced, we can then take the right step forward in order to save our civilization and planet.
