Chisato ShizumeModerage Inc., a company based in Tokyo, engages in interior designing, furniture importing and supporting new store opening projects. ‘Re.Store’ is its new soon-to-launch platform which focuses on recycling and reducing waste from outlets. The company launched a crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE for building the website.
This new platform provides closing stores to sell their furniture, fixtures or furnishings to consumers who plan to open new outlets. According to a survey by Tokyo Shoko Research, 271 businesses have already closed in Japan due to the impact of COVID-19 (as of June 19). The number soared in April since the Japanese government declared state of emergency in the same month, which led to a reduction of customers till today. The self-quarantine period especially effected food restaurants, tourism and apparel industry economically, because they were imposed temporary suspension or short opening hours. Nearly a quarter of these closing businesses are based in Tokyo.
When businesses close due to financial difficulties, paying the restoration fee before they leave rented properties becomes a heavy burden. Selling furniture and furnishings efficiently could help reduce this financial strain. At the same time, new business owners can lower initial investment costs by utilizing the platform. Also, this economical platform contributes to the society as a whole by reducing waste and bring about recycling-based society.
The increasing presence of waste reducing platforms in Japan can also be seen in the food industry. Food sharing service is a typical type of platform connecting customers and sellers which can tackle food waste problem; one of the biggest waste problems the world is facing today. As stated by the FAO, despite the fact that over 800 million people are facing hunger today, an estimated 1.3 billion tons of food are discarded each year around the world. This is approximately one third of edible food produced for human consumption. Discarding food isn’t acceptable not only because it pollutes the environment, but it also wastes labor costs, emits unnecessary carbon dioxide and consumes natural resources such as water.
Considering the fact that COVID-19 may continue to have negative impact on small businesses like restaurants, recycling platforms could help save economic activities in the upcoming months. Needless to say, they also benefit the environment. New ideas like Re.Store to reuse things of value will contribute to sustainable economic growth even in the midst of the coronavirus crisis the world faces today.
