ENVIRONMENT
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| Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza |
Cans are compressed for recycling |
From economic to eco: Osaka's green future
One of Japan's largest cities and key commercial centres, Osaka's vibrant atmosphere is typical of big cities worldwide. Typical also of big cities, however, is the challenge facing Osaka in building a sustainable future. Osaka's metropolitan population of almost 9 million is second only to Tokyo in terms of size and density. The city centre alone experiences a population surge of more than one million people every working day as commuters place extra pressure on the environment and the city's resources. However, the citizens, businesses and government of Osaka are taking steps to improve the city's future through recycling and waste management.
Improvements in sustainability require long-term planning. Since 1991, when Osaka's waste levels hit an all-time high, the city has experienced a gradual decrease in waste and pollution. For many years June has been designated "Osaka City Environment Month", when campaigns to combat local and global environmental challenges are held. In 2007, the theme was "Living Ecologically 24 Hours a Day" and focused on eco-friendly practices in the home and the workplace particularly relevant in an economic powerhouse like Osaka. Other initiatives such as increasing parkland and planting more trees are literally making Osaka "greener".
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| Staff sort rubbish for disposal and recycling |
Recycling has long been an important part of Japan's waste management system. Dividing rubbish into numerous categories for disposal and recycling is second nature to most Japanese. Osaka has designated collection days and a special "waste take-out service" to assist the elderly and handicapped. Even waste that is burned rather than recycled helps Osaka through thermal recycling initiatives, where incineration plants are used to generate electricity, boil water or heat local facilities such as swimming pools. In 2002, the electricity generated by thermal recycling reached 540 million kW - enough to supply 145,000 households with electricity for one year - and the rate is increasing annually.
Another Osaka initiative is the Recycle Plaza concept. A bit like an environmentally friendly shopping centre, Recycle Plazas allow citizens to get information on waste management, attend DIY recycling workshops and shop for a wide range of recycled items, ranging from furniture and bicycles to books and clothing. By reducing waste and easing the cost of city living with quality goods for little or no cost, the popular Recycle Plazas have a double benefit.
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| Osaka City Environment Month is held every year in June |
In 2000, the Osaka government and the Asia and Pacific Trade Centre jointly established the Osaka ATC Green Eco Plaza, the world's first permanent eco-business exhibition hall. The Eco Plaza holds exhibitions for its nine million annual visitors and provides information about eco-business with the goal of fostering and promoting environmentally friendly technologies in the 21st century.
At a time when future sustainability rests on the attitude, awareness and activity of today's population, Osaka has taken environmental awareness in its stride. It is a big city taking big initiatives in recycling and waste management, helping to lead the way to an eco-friendly future.
