How This Japanese Town Is Set To Become Zero Waste By 2020

All around the world, communities, businesses, and even entire countries are making a more conscious effort to cut back on their waste production. The town of Kamikatsu, Japan has recently joined this growing list and, in my opinion, stands as a true inspiration and leader in the zero waste movement.

Home to only 1,700 people, Kamikatsu is a relatively small community which has set the very big goal of becoming completely waste free by the year 2020. The town is already well on their way, with approximately 80% of their current waste being recycled, composted, or reused.

The key was the implementation of a very strict recycling program that requires residents to separate their waste into 34 categories. The task certainly seems tedious and unrealistic, but most community members have now accepted and actively participate in the initiative that was started in 2003.