mymizu, Japan’s first water refill app wants to render bottled water extinct

One of the best ways to reduce plastic waste is to carry around water bottles. However, what happens if your water bottle gets empty and you’re still thirsty? Most people turn to vending machines—alas! more plastic waste.

Social Innovation Japan has created a solution to this. They launched mymizu last month (currently in beta), Japan’s first app for smartphones that pinpoints refill stations where people can refill their water bottles. By providing this service, it aims to reduce the number of people purchasing bottled drinks, thereby reducing plastic waste and creating a sustainable environment.

mymizu allows users to find a nearby refill station from the approximately 8,000 refill stations available. These include public water sources and registered partners including restaurants, cafes, co-working spaces, hotels and stores. While contributing to reducing plastic waste, users will have the advantage of discovering new restaurants and cafes that they may never encounter otherwise. Meanwhile, shops and restaurants etc., can enjoy more customers attending their venues while increasing their brand equity, free of charge. Their participation in the project will also contribute to building a sustainable town too.

Although Japan’s technology for recycling is of world standard, Japan is presently listed as the second most country to produce plastic bottles. Over 22 billion plastic bottles are produced every year, amongst which 2.6 billion are not recycled and treated as burnable or non-burnable waste. Some are not even collected and are washed away into the sea.

The year 2019 has seen the eyes of the world constantly focused on Japan, with events like the G20, not to mention upcoming events including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics scheduled for next year. The app was intentionally released last month, to meet the timing of the Rugby World Cup and the Global Climate Strike. 1.8 million people are said to have gathered for the Rugby World Cup at venues across Japan. Those scheduled to visit Japan and have concerns for reducing plastic waste, should check out this app, which supports people to be part of creating a sustainable future.