This is amazing, and I can’t even imagine how they get everyone on board! Sure, it’s a small town, but with a new baby at home, I just keep thinking about that side of things: cloth diapers, reusable wipes, etc. All that is a hassle, and I send my diapers out with a service!

That’s awesome, Amanda! I didn’t even know they had services to wash reusable baby diapers (good to know)! I’m not too sure this town had a choice. They used to have an incinerator which was extremely hurtful to the environment and their air quality/health so they switched to this method and just remind residents about the importance of what they’re doing. I think it’s really cool how they actually get to see the outcome of a lot of what they recycle!

yes! with my first child I washed the diapers myself at home, but this time my husband refused 🙁 He at least agreed to hire a diaper service. It is more expensive than using disposables, but I don’t mind for the eco factor as well as using natural products next to my baby’s skin. I wonder if this Japanese town had to implement fines for residents who did not cooperate, which eventually got everyone on board? Or maybe they are such law-abiding citizens that fines were not needed. Anyway, I also think many Japanese people practice elimination communication, so disposable diapers are probably not that much of an issue in this town’s quest for zero waste. By the way, EC is the most eco-friendly way to “deal with” baby waste… in case you’re taking notes for the future 😉 Diaper services are great as well because they wash the diapers in bulk, keeping water resources in mind.

I’m not sure if there was a short clip about it in this video or another one I saw, but they do throw out disposable diapers in this town. Not sure what they plan on doing with them when they hope to reach that 100% zero waste goal. Maybe some families have already caught on and are using the methods you mentioned. So, in that aspect, you’re ahead of this town when it comes to diapers! I think my husband would react in a very similar way to yours in regards to washing diapers, haha!

This is SO cool! I never heard of the town before but they have my highest respect for making such an effort. Our trash is one of the biggest problems and sadly very few people are aware of it. I love your image of a magical hole that makes the trash disappear… that would just be the best! 🙂 Hopefully one day every country will have a solution for the trash like this little town in Japan.

Yes! I almost want to move here so that I don’t feel so bad for all the things I’m not able to recycle where I currently live, haha! Watching this video and finding out about this town was a great reminder for me that my ultimate goal is zero waste and it IS attainable! I know how important this is for you as well. Raising awareness is key! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting and sharing!! 😀

Wow, I had never heard of that before but it really sounds great! I would SO be a part of it 🙂
Great initiative; I wish we could all go more in that direction. Every small impact counts. Thank you for sharing!
Best,
Corinna
http://www.kissenundkarma.de

So true! If everyone did even the smallest act of good, it would have such a huge impact worldwide! This town is a great example of that and how possible it really is. Thank you for visiting and commenting, Corina!

This is amazing!
Thanks for sharing, lady. 🙂

-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge

My pleasure, thanks Ashley! 🙂