Kamikatsu Village in Japan: A Pioneering Zero-Waste Haven

Perched on Shikoku Island, Japan, Kamikatsu Village astonishes visitors by completely reusing all waste.

Kamikatsu Village in Japan: A Pioneering Zero-Waste Haven

Nestled amidst lush greenery on Shikoku Island, Japan, a community of around 1,500 residents is embracing a 'Zero Waste' lifestyle. If you step foot here, you'll hardly spot any litter strewn across the streets or public areas.

In 2003, Kamikatsu Village became the first locality in Japan to declare itself zero waste. Since then, the village has transitioned from outdoor waste incineration to a 'Buy – Process – Dispose' cycle with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality. Currently, they're estimated to be over 80% of the way towards that goal by 2030. Research has shown that incinerating waste generates large amounts of toxic gases, severely impacting the town's food sources. Realizing the detrimental effects of previous waste disposal methods on daily life, the community resolved to transform the town into a waste-free zone.

Presently, about 80% of Kamikatsu's waste is recycled. The town has saved a third of the cost for waste incineration. Residents aren't just learning to segregate waste but also to recycle and reuse discarded items. Locals have crafted useful items from discarded goods, such as turning old kimonos into teddy bears for children. Other items like tables, chairs, and furniture will be passed on to those in need, in exchange for which they'll select other items for free.

Additionally, business activities stemming from recycling are gradually becoming widespread, providing a significant source of income for the city. Each year, Kuru Kuru craft village in Kamikatsu attracts thousands of tourists, who come to explore and purchase items like shirts, bags, and bottles recycled from waste.

According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel Guide Mytour