Tag - waste

 
 

WASTE

Each year, millions of tons of trash and other pollutants enter the world's oceans, creating scenes like this one in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 16, 2024
Multinationals must stop flow of ocean waste in Global South
The world's oceans are being suffocated by millions of tons of waste, especially in the Global South. The corporations responsible need to clean up their mess.
FEPC Vice Chairman Toshiharu Sasaki (center) holds a news conference after meeting with Aomori Gov. Soichiro Miyashita on Thursday.
JAPAN
Oct 10, 2024
Aomori Prefecture rejects proposed high-level nuclear waste delivery
The prefecture was asked to accept a small amount of high-level nuclear waste returned from overseas instead of more low-level waste, which had been agreed earlier.
A container carrying spent nuclear fuel is unloaded from a ship at a port in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, on Thursday.
JAPAN
Sep 26, 2024
Interim storage facility in Aomori receives spent nuclear fuel
The start of the storage facility's operations is expected to give a boost to the government's plans to promote nuclear power generation.
Debbie Wu tests her pair of sunglasses made from plastic waste at Trash Kitchen in Taipei.
ENVIRONMENT / Sustainability
Sep 6, 2024
Taiwan workshop turns trash into sunglasses
Taipei's Trash Kitchen allows customers to create fashion out of plastic waste.
It is estimated that the cleanup at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant will cost around ¥23 trillion ($157 billion).
JAPAN
Aug 19, 2024
Tepco to demonstrate removal of radioactive debris from Fukushima No. 1
About 880 metric tons of fuel debris remain in the three reactors that suffered a meltdown.
Aomori Gov. Soichiro Miyashita holds a news conference Monday over the prefecture's plan on a storage facility for spent nuclear fuel.
JAPAN
Jul 30, 2024
Safety deal to be signed for Aomori nuclear fuel storage
A safety agreement is necessary for a spent nuclear fuel interim storage facility to start operations.
Tenugui towels hang up to dry at a dyeing company in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, on May 8. The durable and versatile tenugui, which many people have in their homes, can be used in many ways to cool one’s body.
ENVIRONMENT / Sustainability / OUR PLANET
Jul 14, 2024
How to beat Japan’s summer heat in ways better for the planet
As summers get hotter across the world we’re met with a paradox: To stay cool, it seems we’re compelled to consume more.
An interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel in Mutsu, Aomori Prefecture, on June 6
JAPAN
Jul 5, 2024
Interim storage facility for nuclear fuel nears completion in Aomori
The site is expected to play a key role in Japan's efforts to establish a nuclear fuel cycle, but residents are concerned the temporary facility will become permanent.
An electronic shelf tag at a supermarket in Tokyo's Sumida Ward shows a product is sold at different prices according to the expiration date and inventory status.
JAPAN / Society
Jun 21, 2024
Japan's food loss hits a record low in fiscal 2022
With the goal met for businesses to reduce food waste, the government will consider setting a new reduction target.
Shibuya Mayor Ken Hasebe (second from right) and Aikasa founder Shoji Marukawa (second from left) hold rental umbrellas during a media briefing on Wednesday.
JAPAN / Society
Jun 19, 2024
Shibuya launches initiative to set up 150 new umbrella-sharing stands
The initiative envisions a reduction of 76.1 tons in carbon dioxide emissions and 29.1 tons in waste per year.
A growing number of local governments in Japan are selling reusable oversize waste collected from households on marketplace app Mercari.
JAPAN
Jun 16, 2024
Japan local governments using Mercari app to recycle oversize waste
From clothing boxes to furniture, the initiative aims to raise awareness of reusing goods while reducing carbon emissions from incineration.
A ground crew worker refuels a plane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona.
BUSINESS / Companies
May 31, 2024
Waste-to-fuel company that raised $1 billion verges on collapse
Fulcrum BioEnergy has recently laid off nearly all of its staff of about 100 and halted most of its operations, according to more than a half-dozen former employees.
A plant set up at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Sewerage's Sunamachi Water Reclamation Center in Koto Ward to recover phosphorus from sewage sludge
JAPAN / Society
May 17, 2024
Tokyo to recycle phosphorus from sewage sludge for farm fertilizer
Phosphorus, along with nitrogen and potassium, is a crucial component of fertilizers.
Genkai Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama speaks during a news conference on Friday in the town of Genkai in Saga Prefecture.
JAPAN
May 10, 2024
Genkai Mayor decides to accept nuclear waste site survey
The mayor announced the decision at a news conference after a closed-door meeting of the town's assembly.
Industry minister Ken Saito (right) meets with Genkai Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama in Tokyo on Tuesday.
JAPAN
May 8, 2024
Government asks Genkai mayor to accept site survey to host nuclear waste
Last month, the Genkai town assembly approved a petition submitted by local business groups asking for the survey request to be accepted.
Auto parts maker Toyoda Gosei makes bags and other items by reusing its mainstay air bag products.
JAPAN
May 7, 2024
Upcycling efforts spread among Japanese companies
Japanese companies are increasingly engaging in upcycling efforts, or adding new value to used products and waste materials, as part of their environmental and social contributions and to generate profits.
We don't know how much damage these polymers do to our health. But we can make significant inroads on litter and emissions to tackle this issue head-on.
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 30, 2024
Plastic pollution is a growing problem. Here are some ideas on how to solve it.
International cooperation and proactive measures are needed to mitigate the harmful effects of plastics.
Members of the town assembly of Genkai, Saga Prefecture, on Friday deliberate a petition calling for a survey to examine the town's suitability for hosting a radioactive waste disposal site.
JAPAN
Apr 26, 2024
Town assembly in Saga approves petition for nuclear waste site survey
A town in Saga Prefecture has become the first host municipality for a nuclear plant to approve a petition to accept a survey for nuclear waste.
Shintaro Wakiyama, mayor of Genkai, Saga Prefecture, speaks to reporters last week.   Jiji
JAPAN
Apr 25, 2024
Saga town committee to OK petition to accept nuclear waste survey
The mayor of Genkai, Shintaro Wakiyama, has taken a cautious stance on the issue.
A Chugoku Electric Power office in Kaminoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture
JAPAN
Apr 24, 2024
Drilling survey starts in Yamaguchi town for nuclear facility
The survey, to continue for six months, is scheduled to be conducted at a depth of 100-300 meters underground.

Longform

Visitors walk past Sou Fujimoto's Grand Ring, which has been recognized as the largest wooden structure in the world.
Can a World Expo still matter? Japan is about to find out.