Today, I will share some practical tips on how to reduce the amount of plastic you use on your next visit to Japan. By following the advice, you’ll be sure to make your trip more eco-friendly. However, to achieve a plastic-free trip, it’s important to understand the challenges Japan is facing and how we can address them.
Trash cans Credit: ぱたくそ
General information about plastic waste in Japan
Firstly, did you know that Japan ranks second worldwide for single-use plastic waste generated? Moreover, the recycling rate is quite low by global standards. This is because energy recovery (burning plastic waste to capture heat energy) isn’t counted as recycling, as per Western standards. Taking this into account, in Japan, energy recovery accounts for 58% of plastic waste recycling.
Secondly, I want you to compare the recycling rules in your hometown with those here in Japan. Here, plastic bottles must be washed, crushed, and disposed of on specific collection days, while labels and caps need to be thrown away with plastic packaging waste. On top of that, local elderly people often patrol the neighborhood’s trash collection area to ensure proper recycling, so I’ve always been careful about following these rules.
Cap Credit: ビエント
Considering these strict recycling rules, learning about Japan’s plastic issues from a global perspective was very interesting. Currently, I’ve noticed significant differences in how plastic is managed in the EU compared to Japan. For example, the EU focuses on banning single-use plastic products and increasing plastic bottle recycling rates without taking off labels and caps. In contrast, since April 2022, Japan has implemented a law that not only regulates plastic but to promotes a circular economy. This is about creating a collaborative effort among businesses people, local governments, and consumers to design, manufacture, sell, collect, and recycle plastic products sustainably.
Trash on the beach Credit: daitaiok0000
Unfortunately, the production of plastic and its improper disposal, such as burning, causes marine pollution and increased CO2 emissions, contributing to global warming. Yet, plastic remains an essential material in modern society. In this case, I would like to believe in humanity’s ability to think, act, and evolve. While banning and removing problems is crucial, it’s also essential to seek fundamental improvements.
However, short-term travelers might need to tackle different solutions compared to long-term residents who can consistently “choose, reduce, and recycle.” So next, let’s explore what you can do for the planet during your trip to Japan.
How to reduce plastic use in Japan?
Water bottle Credit: Karolina Grabowska
MYMIZU
MyMizu aims to change the world through access to free water. By partnering with businesses, facilities, and local governments, MyMizu provides water refill stations, aiming to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Via their app, users can search the location of water refill stations and track metrics such as the number of plastic bottles saved, CO2 reduction, and money saved. Moreover, the app is available not only in Japan but also in 50 other countries, with over 12,000 locations across Japan and continuously growing! Downloading the app and joining the effort to reduce plastic bottle usage is something you can do in Japan even if you’re a short-term explorer!
My eco-bag Credit: Chisato
ECO-BAG
In Japan, single-use plastic bags at supermarkets and convenience stores now come with a charge. The main point of this was to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during manufacturing and burning and of course to minimize ocean pollution caused by plastic bags. Because of this, I recommend carrying an eco-bag (reusable bag), as it not only saves money but contributes to environmental protection. Furthermore, there are other benefits of using eco-bags, for instance, they are more durable than plastic bags and can carry more items. Additionally, there are eco-bags available in cute designs and innovative styles.
The way I fold the plastic bags Credit: Chisato
However, in Japan, where there are only fewer public trash cans, plastic bags are also a useful item. It’s not ideal to dispose of them after a single use as they can be repurposed into handy tools for day-to-day life. If you use plastic bags, I recommend you fold them like I do in the photo and save them for later! Overall, why not buy an eco-bag as a souvenir from Japan to add some excitement to your everyday shopping routine?
Using tumbler to save money Credit: hana+choco
TUMBLER
Next, let’s talk about tumblers. Interestingly, many places around the world have switched to paper straws while the cups themselves are still made of plastic. This is where tumblers step in to solve the problem. In Japan, various cafes offer discounts for bringing your own tumbler or mug, and some convenience stores with self-service machines also accept them:
- Blue Bottle Coffee – ¥20 discount
- Starbucks – ¥21-22 discount
- Tully’s Coffee – ¥30 discount
- Excelsior Caffé – ¥20 discount
- Ueshima Coffee Company – ¥50 discount
- Beck’s Coffee Shop – ¥50 discount
- DEAN & DELUCA – ¥22 discount
- Lawson MACHI café – ¥10 discount
- FamilyMart – Available with self-service machines
These are some great spots to check out, but there are many other places as well, so please carry a tumbler and ask for whatever you’d like! One thing you have to be careful about is that each store might have different beverage sizes, so choosing the right size of tumbler is important. I recommend a height of less than 15cm, as it will be available with FamilyMart’s self-service machines.
I-kasa Credit: きのえね
I-KASA
In Japan, around 130 million disposable umbrellas are used every year. Travelers might need to buy an umbrella at a convenience store when it suddenly rains. However, bringing umbrellas on planes is impossible. To avoid the disposal of plastic umbrellas, there’s a handy app called i-kasa. With this, you can rent an umbrella for 140 yen per day and the service is available in Tokyo, Yokohama, Omiya, Chiba, Nagoya, Gifu, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Okayama, Mito, Fukuoka, Saga, and Sapporo.
Using i-kasa is quite simple as you’ll be able to find i-kasa spots at stations or stores. Open the app, click “Rent an i-kasa,” scan the QR code to unlock the umbrella, and you’re good to go. To return the umbrella, select “Return” in the app, scan the QR code, and lock the umbrella. For more details on return locations and other information, please check the app or website. Please don’t forget that if you lose the umbrella, you have to pay 864 yen for the lost item fee. But if the umbrella is stolen, make sure to contact i-kasa customer support with the location, date, time, and situation details immediately.
Bamboo eco-toothbrush Credit: toshietty
BAMBOO TOOTHBRUSH
When traveling, a toothbrush is a vital item for sure. Hotels often provide plastic toothbrushes as amenities, but these are usually low quality and tend to become single-use. Therefore, let me introduce you to MEGURU’s bamboo toothbrush. Due to the bamboo utilization project, this toothbrush is made with a biodegradable resin.
In addition, MEGURU doesn’t just focus on dental health support but also considers vegan and religious needs. Currently, there are four types: slightly hard pig hair, soft horse hair, vegan-friendly castor resin bristles, and ultra-fine bristles made from saturated polyester. These toothbrushes are sustainable and kind to both the planet and the people using them. Why not take this opportunity to use a toothbrush made from natural materials?
Places to buy in person:
Razor Credit: FineGraphics
KAMI KAMISORI
Lawson offers a world-first razor made from paper that reduces plastic use by 98%. In Japanese, “paper” is “kami,” and “razor” is “kamisori,” so this product is named “Kami Kamisori.” While it’s clear that single-use paper items aren’t the most eco-friendly option, this razor is a great choice when you urgently need one. It costs just 152 yen and is conveniently portable because of its assembly design. I highly recommend it when you forget the shaver!
Dried soapberry Credit: HiC
SOAP NUTS
Since you’re on an exciting trip to Japan, many of you might be planning longer stays or staying in places like Airbnb. I have to say, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who packs fewer clothes to make room for as many souvenirs as possible! In this case, you may have a laundry issue. Here, I’ll introduce an amazing item that will be useful when doing laundry at an Airbnb or a hotel coin laundromat.
The item is “soap nuts,” a natural detergent made from the dried fruit of the soapberry tree. They are not only eco-friendly but also good for humans. For example, my friend has a chemical sensitivity and gets allergies to the “microcapsules” (plastic) in fabric softeners. However, soap nuts don’t contain irritant chemicals, so she loves using them. Moreover, they are also gentle to those with atopic dermatitis.
Soap nuts include a lot of saponins which is a natural surfactant, making them antibacterial, and hygienic. They can also be reused for 4-5 washes, and are very easy to use–just place a small bag of soap nuts in your laundry machine with clothes and then wash them as usual. Furthermore, they also have fabric-softening properties, so you don’t need a softener. After use, you can throw away the nuts in your garden or planter where they will effortlessly become compost. Soap nuts can be utilized for dishwashing and cleaning, so definitely recommended!
Shop address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qCpsTVxyMxvJwgRt9
Plastic umbrella Credit: Alex Knight
How did you enjoy this blog? Today, I introduced useful tips you travelers out there can use to save the earth during your trip to Japan! It would be difficult to completely remove plastic from our daily lives, but your small contribution can make a big difference. We all want to have a hand in making our planet a little greener and that extends to when we go off to other parts of the globe relax, kick back, and explore new areas. We all have to live in this world, and so it benefits us all to take care of it in every way we can. I hope you will have a beautiful journey in Japan!
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