Zero waste is an approach that helps us redesign our life and society to significantly reduce, and eliminate the use of materials that eventually end up in landfills. To actualize this shift towards sustainable consumption patterns, efforts and...
About 80% of consumers are willing to buy more eco-friendly and ethical products in Japan. Yet, when we want to eat an organic or plant-based diet, or purchase plastic-free or zero waste products in Japan, we might have difficulties discovering...
Progress towards a circular economy should include not only individual efforts through better consumption habits. Systemic change at a policy level is vital too. For example, the South Korean government banned dumping food waste in landfills in 2005...
Recycling is one of the most beneficial waste management practices. It saves resources, energy and the environment while reducing landfill usage. Take plastics, for instance, the versatile yet problematic material at the center of the global waste...
A circular economy is a set of sustainable economic practices. It is driven by the efficient use of finite resources and the minimization of waste. This involves keeping products and materials in use, in contrast to the linear economy where...
Early last month, OGICO has released Japan’s first body scrub made from upcycled ingredients. The HUG BROWNE Espresso Body Shot (170g, 2500 yen) is a locally produced body scrub made from upcycled coffee beans. These beans are used espresso...
Packaging is one of the great conveniences of modern life. Plastic and other materials can be used for product packages to make shipping and distribution easier. Waste from these packages can cause great damage to the environment, however. Plastic...
The fashion industry is one of the most wasteful industries in the world. Each year, companies waste a staggering amount of textile to increase profits and sales. Although nearly 100% of textiles are recyclable, nearly 95% of reusable textile is...
It’s the moment we have all been waiting for: the completion of Kamikatsu town’s Zero Waste Center. It’s been more than a year since we first heard of its plans. Now, the town’s efforts has come to fruition, and the execution is better than...
It’s no secret that there is an excess use of plastic and other non-reusable materials in Japan. Moreover, compared to cities in other countries, beginning a sustainable lifestyle in bigger cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya or Osaka might prove difficult...