Causes and reasons for plastic waste
Overseas cases
In June 2018, “the Coastal Landslide Promotion Law” was revised in Japan, and indicated to manufacturing companies that they should forbear from manufacturing and selling of products containing microbeads. Then, how about overseas?
Table 1．Efforts of each of the four countries
Although there are only typical examples, we’re able to understand that plastic issues have been addressed overseas before Japan has. In addition, companies such as a major coffee chain announced abolishing plastic straws by 2020, and major clothing stores will gradually switch to eco-friendly paper shopping bags after September 2019. Movement is spreading. However, it is necessary for the government to play a central role in addressing the issues. We hope the Government of Japan will address the issues of ocean-plastic problems even more.
It would be great if Japan could work on such overseas cases. It is necessary to take action to raise awareness in Japan, too.
・Efforts in China, United States, UK and France
Although there are only typical examples, we’re able to understand that plastic issues have been addressed overseas before Japan has. In addition, companies such as a major coffee chain announced abolishing plastic straws by 2020, and major clothing stores will gradually switch to eco-friendly paper shopping bags after September 2019. Movement is spreading. However, it is necessary for the government to play a central role in addressing the issues. We hope the Government of Japan will address the issues of ocean-plastic problems even more.
・Introduction of specific overseas initiatives
In the UK, London, a campaign called “#OneLess”, which promotes reducing single-use plastic bottles began in 2016. This campaign aims to make London “the world's first free city of single-use plastic bottles”. The members of the London Animal Society are playing a central role in acting. They’re working with some organizations and the Mayor of London to install drinking fountains in public areas in London. They’re already installed in 28 locations and the Mayor of London has promised to install 100 more. Through this activity, they are telling citizens and non-citizens that "carrying a refillable water bottle " is a new common sense.It would be great if Japan could work on such overseas cases. It is necessary to take action to raise awareness in Japan, too.