Excess, in excess

“Eco” – the term the Japanese use the way we use “Green” in the US these days – is in in Japan right now. You see stories on the news about campaigns to raise money by selling trendy totebags made of recycled materials, etc. And, in many ways Japan has been “eco” for a while: water is saved by toilets that have a sink built into the top and allow you to use the clean water flowing into the tank to wash your hands; supermarkets charge you for each and every plastic bag you use, encouraging people to bring their own bags; everyone rides a bike.

But, then, you go shopping... Every purchase you make in Tokyo is wrapped in as many layers of wasteful wrapping as possible. The department stores are the worst offenders. The other day I bought a small sushi roll as a snack in the basement of Takashimaya. The roll, which was already wrapped in a thin layer of plastic, was then placed in a flimsy plastic container around which a rubber band was placed, this container was then wrapped in piece of paper secured with a piece of tape, and, finally, the entire thing was placed in a plastic bag along with disposable chopsticks and a packet of soy sauce. Jenn and I bought some postcards last week and each one came in its own plastic sheath. Furthermore, I was reading an article in the paper about a new form of bubble wrap that is being marketed in convenient stores here in Tokyo that is just for popping. So, the next time you are feeling stressed you can head to your nearest 7-11 and buy some small sheets of the wrap to pop away your stress.

As “eco” as they may think they are, I would say Japan has a long way to go, and they need to focus their efforts on the department stores.