How This Town Produces No Trash

Summary

The video explores Kamikatsu, a small Japanese town committed to achieving zero waste. Residents separate trash into 34 categories, aiming to recycle, reuse, or compost 100% of their waste by 2020. The town's zero waste program, which began in 2003, has reduced the environmental impact by eliminating incineration and promoting sustainable practices. Local businesses and residents, including elderly women who repurpose discarded materials, have embraced these changes. The community's strong support system and innovative recycling efforts have made Kamikatsu a model for sustainable living.

Takeaways

• 🌿 The small Japanese town of Kamikatsu takes recycling very seriously, aiming to achieve zero waste.
• 🔄 Residents are required to separate their trash into an impressive 34 categories.
• 🏙️ Kamikatsu's zero waste program, initiated in 2003, has led to 80% of the town's garbage being recycled, reused, or composted.
• 🎯 The town has set an ambitious goal to become 100% zero waste by 2020.
• 🧼 Residents must wash, clean, sort, and bring their waste to the recycling center where it is monitored for proper sorting.
• 🗣️ The process of recycling is not easy and has been tough to gain the understanding and participation of the people.
• ♻️ Signs at the recycling center inform residents about what their trash will be recycled into and the cost or benefit to the community.
• 🛍️ Kamikatsu has a 'circular' shop where residents can exchange used items for free, promoting a sharing economy.
• 👵 Local women in the town repurpose discarded items into new products, such as crafts made from old kimonos and fish flags.
• 💰 Businesses in Kamikatsu have found that recycling reduces costs to one third of what they were with open incineration.
• 🤝 The close-knit community of 1,700 people supports each other in implementing and maintaining the zero waste lifestyle.

Q & A

What is Kamikatsu, Japan known for?

Kamikatsu is known for its rigorous zero-waste program, where residents are required to separate their trash into 34 categories for recycling, reusing, or composting.

What was the environmental practice in Kamikatsu before the zero-waste program?

Before the zero-waste program, Kamikatsu used open incineration to dispose of waste, which was harmful to both the environment and the health of the residents.

What percentage of Kamikatsu's garbage is recycled, reused, or composted since the program began in 2003?

Since the program began in 2003, 80% of Kamikatsu’s garbage is recycled, reused, or composted.

What is Kamikatsu's goal for waste management by 2020?

Kamikatsu’s goal was to achieve 100% zero waste by 2020, meaning no waste would go to landfills.

Why is separating garbage into 34 categories considered challenging for Kamikatsu residents?

Separating garbage into 34 categories is considered challenging because it requires a lot of effort from the residents, including washing, sorting, and bringing materials to the recycling center.

What role do monitors like Kazuyuki Kiyohara play in Kamikatsu’s recycling process?

Monitors like Kazuyuki Kiyohara ensure that residents are properly sorting and recycling their waste at the town’s recycling center.

What is the purpose of the 'circular' shop in Kamikatsu?

The 'circular' shop in Kamikatsu allows residents to bring in used items and take others for free, promoting reuse and reducing waste.

How have local women in Kamikatsu contributed to the zero-waste initiative?

Local women in Kamikatsu make products from discarded items, such as old kimonos or fish flags, turning them into crafts like teddy bears, bags, and clothing.

How has the zero-waste initiative impacted the cost of waste management in Kamikatsu?

The zero-waste initiative has reduced the cost of waste management in Kamikatsu by one third compared to when the town burned all of its waste.

What role does community support play in Kamikatsu's zero-waste program?

Community support plays a crucial role in Kamikatsu’s zero-waste program, as residents look after and support each other in adapting to the new lifestyle of waste reduction.