In the midst of growing concerns about single-use plastic straws, sustainable alternatives are coming into the spotlight. To date, we’ve seen paper-made and stainless-steel replacements. Partnering with Yokohama SDGs Design Center, wood homebuilder...
Many people take a break at coffee shops every now and then in between work and study. It’s often the case that many of the coffee chain stores are crowded, and at peak times it’s difficult to secure a seat. Now, imagine the amount of plastic used...
Japanese plastics manufacturer, TechnoLab, has started using plastic waste from Japan’s oceans to make home interior goods and furniture. This project aims to bring recycling activities to local towns and overseas. The crowdfunding and community...
Outdoor clothing store, Patagonia International Inc., which operates 22 stores in Japan, announced that it will abolish the use of plastic shopping bags from April 1st, 2020. Japan has shared a global goal at the G20 Osaka summit in June this year...
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...
The movement to reduce plastic waste, which causes marine pollution, is spreading around the world. The one of the things which are severely criticized is the issue of plastic straws, because they are thrown away just after being used. This movement...
More 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...
Marine pollution is a prevalent problem in society. Its harmful effects caused by plastic waste have urged many companies in the food & beverage industry to go plastic-free. One evident change today is the growing switch from plastic straws to...
The third Monday in July in Japan is a national holiday known as Marine Day, dedicated to the ocean and its blessings to Japan as an island nation. The day fell on July 15 this year, and the seaside lifestyle and Shonan travel guide website BYTHESEA...
Unilever Japan has set itself the goal of shifting all of its product packaging away from polyethylene-terephthalate, or PET plastic, to 100% recycled plastic by the end of 2020. As a first step, from August 5, the packaging of new products under...