2022 Rewind: Creative initiatives in Japan to combat food, plastic waste

The world is making efforts to combat waste for a sustainable future. Here are some initiatives taken around Japan to reduce waste, from food to plastic, one small step at a time.

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<<Japan bakery, brewery battle food waste by turning bread crusts into craft beer>>

KITAKYUSHU -- A brewery and a bakery here have joined forces to develop "Bread Weizen," a low-malt beer made from bread crusts trimmed from loaves used for school lunches. Full story.

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<<Japanese company launches ice pops using persimmons headed for the garbage heap>>

KURUME, Fukuoka -- A travel agency in this southwest Japan city has launched ice pops using local persimmons that would otherwise have landed in the garbage. Full story.

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<<Japanese firms look to plant-based, carbon-neutral 'biocoke' fuel to cut CO2 emissions>>

OSAKA -- Biocoke, a solid fuel made from vegetable waste materials, is attracting attention as technology to help push the shift to a decarbonized society. Developed in 2005 by Kindai University in Higashiosaka, Osaka Prefecture, it is a "dream solid fuel" that is said to emit virtually no carbon dioxide (CO2) when burned. Full story.

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<<West Japan islanders start selling boar tusks, masks online to cut waste>>

IMABARI, Ehime -- Farmers, hunters and others on islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea have started selling wild boar tusks and masks, in addition to boar meat and leather, online in a bid to reduce waste from the extermination of the animals, which are considered pests. Full story.

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<<Cardboard hangers for dry cleaners developed in Fukuoka Pref. to reduce plastic waste>>

FUKUOKA -- Two companies based in southwest Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture have developed all-cardboard clothes hangers that can be used in dress shirt bagging machines as they aim to reduce plastic waste. Full story.

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<<Japan plastics firm rocks out for environment with new 100% biodegradable guitar picks>>

FUKUI -- A plastics maker here has developed a completely biodegradable guitar pick to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly plastic waste. Full story.

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