Measures in Japan still only go halfway. The public and private sectors must join hands to work toward further waste reduction and greater recycling.

Why on Earth do they put a well packaged item inside a flimsy vinyl bag which they then place in a shopping bag?

Two-thirds of plastic waste is just incinerated in Japan, though much of it is presented as "recycling." (Thermal recycling!) But if we invoke the spell of "mottainai" we can pretend that we actually care about waste and somehow make the problem disappear.

Half hearted token efforts? Here? Never!

must join hands to work towards

Well if it aint the "work towards" kiss of death.

Just say no hankoe.

We all gotta hope plastic bag producer guy wakes up tomorrow…

"hey, ueda's gotta good point, lemme cut profit and waste, leave some on the table for futures and kids.."

Japan and recycling.....equals incineration.

OK, Let’s make some hamburgers.

I’ve got some hamburger meat wrapped in plastic, lettuce wrapped in plastic, butter in a plastic tub, bread in a plastic bag, mayonnaise in a plastic bottle, mustard in a plastic bottle, catsup in a plastic bottle, cheese slices in a plastic bag and some tea in a plastic bottle.

And I can’t put it all in a plastic bag because I’m the one ruining the planet?

And I can’t put it all in a plastic bag because I’m the one ruining the planet?

So your logic is that because everything isn't already perfect, there is no way that you as an individual should make any effort whatsoever.

You seem like someone who has value to humanity. Srsly.

You've summed the problem perfectly Peter Neil.

Well said.

So your logic is that because everything isn't already perfect, there is no way that you as an individual should make any effort whatsoever.

No.

The massive chemical, particulate, and plastic trashing of the planet is by industry and companies, not consumers.

There is a genuine strategy by industry to transfer guilt to the the consumer, when the truth is that consumers have no choice in how products are packaged.

The adult logic is to focus on the packaging by industry, since one change would make the biggest difference to every consumer of the product.

You seem like someone who has value to humanity. Srsly.

Thanks for the insult. Cheers

The massive chemical, particulate, and plastic trashing of the planet is by industry and companies, not consumers.

So you propose that therefore the consumer should make no effort whatsoever.

Got it. Very logical.