No.87 "Plastic Smart" Forum Launch

Recently, there has been a rapid increase in interest in plastic waste. Marine pollution caused by plastic is a global issue and is listed as one of the 17 goals in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are international goals outlined in the "2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015, covering the period from 2016 to 2030. The 14th goal includes the item "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development," with the first target stating, "By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce all forms of marine pollution," highlighting its recognition as an urgent global issue.
In this context, to strengthen the nationwide campaign promoting a "smart way to deal with plastics" aimed at reducing marine plastic waste, the "Plastic Smart" forum has been established, and the launch ceremony was held at the Ministry of the Environment on January 23, 2019.

As a representative of the participating organizations from the government, I attended alongside Governor Kuroiwa of Kanagawa Prefecture and Deputy Mayor Yanagisawa of Karuizawa Town to deliver a message of support. The participants on the day included Minister of the Environment Harada, as well as representatives from AEON Co., Ltd., the NPO Genki Network for Creating a Sustainable Society, the Marine Plastic Problem Response Council, Coca-Cola Japan, and McDonald's Holdings Company Japan, all of which are organizations with a strong environmental awareness.
This year, Japan will serve as the first chair country for the G20 in June, and the demand for Japan's leadership in the international community is becoming increasingly strong. The government has formulated a "Plastic Resource Circulation Strategy" and plans to systematically implement measures. Therefore, we, as a local government, would like to collaborate with businesses and consumers to address these challenges with an all-Japan approach.
Currently, 9 million tons of plastic are discarded annually in Japan, but most of it is recycled or properly disposed of. However, it is also true that a portion of it (estimated by researchers to be between 2,000 and 60,000 tons) ends up in rivers and coastlines due to littering and improper disposal.
The city is working on proper collection and transportation, as well as awareness-raising for waste reduction, while also implementing beautification campaigns and cleaning of the Misawa River and Tama River in collaboration with citizens and businesses.
The plastic waste problem cannot be solved solely by the establishment or strengthening of new systems. It is also important for local governments, the national government, businesses, and citizens/consumers to come together and change their awareness.
We ask everyone to participate from a perspective that is close to home, such as the prohibition of littering.
"Plastic Smart" Forum is expected to communicate our country's efforts to the world and serve as a foundation for Japan to challenge as an international frontrunner in addressing the marine plastic problem.