A Japanese government panel on Friday began discussions to set a strategy for sharply cutting plastic waste amid rising international concern that it causes marine pollution. Japan, which emits the largest amount of plastic waste per capita after the United States, has lagged behind other countries in combating ocean pollution…
A Japanese government panel on Friday began discussions to set a strategy for sharply cutting plastic waste amid rising international concern that it causes marine pollution.
Japan, which emits the largest amount of plastic waste per capita after the United States, has lagged behind other countries in combating ocean pollution by reining in the use of plastics such as disposable containers and shopping bags.
The subcommittee of the Central Environment Council aims to draw up a draft strategy involving numerical goals by the end of this year.
«To lead the world in tackling the plastic waste issue, I expect the panel to compile an effective strategy,» Environment Minister Masaharu Nakagawa said at the meeting.
A panel member pointed out that Japan is slow to introduce measures such as banning sales and use of plastic shopping bags. Another member said it would be important to offer Japan’s advanced technology to other countries in dealing with the problem.
The subcommittee is chaired by Shinichi Sakai, a professor of Kyoto University, and includes stakeholders such as the Japan Plastics Industry Federation.
