New Perspective in Marine Pollution in Japan: Modern Waste Management System and International Coordination
A land that is associated with technology, Japan is literally pacing in the war against one of the most vital issues of this generation: marine pollution. It can be considered from waste management systems, increasing its pace to cooperate with other countries and the rising concern of internationalized plastic wastes accompanied by water pollution in the ocean. So, to spearhead its big fight for tackling sources and effects of ocean contamination, modern Japan will include grassroot people-initiative efforts complemented by efforts together with interaction within international parties on the field and in implementing projects.
Current Waste Management System
One of the main reasons why Japan is minimizing marine pollution is because of its excellent waste management infrastructure. This country has been known to be one of the leaders in recycling and processing wastes. It is one of the best systems of waste disposal around the world. Being efficient with a system on waste management, the Japanese have strict rules in sorting, high-tech recycling plants, and the public is being highly conscious of the reduction of waste.
Advanced waste-to-energy technology forms the core of Japan’s waste management policy. It primarily turns non-recyclable waste into energy, such that a lesser amount is left behind in landfills and incinerators. It is one of such countries having many such waste-to-energy plants and thus deals with the problem of waste, including plastic waste, through an environment-friendly process.
Apart from the technologies of waste-to-energy, Japan highly invests in systems of plastic recycling. Plastic is broken down to be reused again in the highly advanced plastic recycling infrastructure in the country. This way, the amount of plastic waste reaching oceans and wreaking havoc in marine ecosystems is reduced. Japan has resulted in becoming an example for most countries that aim to handle their wastes better with the success of plastic recycling.
Reduction of Plastic Waste
The reduction of plastic waste in Japan involves the root source of the problem: at source. In this case, the majority of efforts by the Japanese do not even allow the plastics to reach the ocean first to implement the wastes. One such major move was that of a reduction in the use of single-use plastics. Examples can be given of how the policies were implemented in the country that restricts plastic bags, along with lots of disposable things that are used to be produced from plastics. Today, most retail stores collect a kind of surcharge on plastic bags so people are encouraged to bring with themselves their reusable plastic bags.
Japanese activities, too, are generating replacement materials with biodegradable plastics, and it still is significantly less destructive on the environment. The nation has created initiatives such that the corporations will reduce their single-use plastics to maximize the percentages they may use in the packaging of products. This agenda will be responsible for cutting all reliance on single-use plastics sharply and making things a little less burdensome about the poison that is creating oceans.
Marine Cleanup and Prevention Programs
Japan does not fight marine pollution through waste management only. The country is engaging many marine cleanup projects. Lately, the country has newly adopted cleanup programs around the coastline of Japan. Volunteers and various organizations team together in these clean-up programs in clearing plastic wastes and other pollution products found within the beaches and waters. They. Accompanying education campaigns for the public is to raise their awareness toward impacts brought about by marine pollution and keep everyone responsible for keeping their own environments.
Besides national efforts, Japan is proactively and internationally involved in dealing with marine pollution prevention. Notably, in fact, she has been in several collaborations through international organizations that include the United Nations to bring about a panacea to handle the problem more broadly. There is active involvement of Japan under UNEP as a substantive component and hence follows the mechanism of implementation towards international agreements pertaining to overcoming oceanic plastic problems.
It supports initiatives that take plastic wastes out of the ocean. For example, there is the “Clean Ocean” project in which it involves industry and people into finding ways of removing plastic wastes from the ocean and ensures no more addition to the pollution caused by plastic wastes. This company furthered the development of the necessary technologies to collect waste from the surface of the ocean, for example, through deep ocean vessels and collection systems that trap and remove floating plastic debris.
International Cooperation
The country has been very active in cooperating with other nations trying to curb this problem since the problem of marine pollution is global. It even has been a vocal advocate for international agreements to reduce marine pollution, especially plastic wastes. Japan played a very significant role in launching the G7 Marine Litter Action Plan making all the members engage collectively and eradicate plastic pollution in the ocean together with others.
Japan’s participation also deals with international cooperation concerning problems in marine pollution, especially research and development projects. For instance, Japan has financed studies concerning the health of oceans, marine ecosystems, and how plastic wastes affect the marine world. This is how Japan fosters the development of new technology to introduce innovation that would be able to eradicate this problem across the globe.
Challenges Ahead
Even though such a great development has taken place, there are still a number of challenges Japan is facing. For starters, this is a worldwide problem. Marine pollution is not found only in Japan’s waters; it can be seen anywhere around the globe. This, therefore, means that efforts by Japan alone will not be enough to get rid of the problem. What would be required to focus on plastic pollution would be a commitment from, and cooperation of, the rest of the world.
Another challenge is the increased volume of plastic waste. The efforts to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling are being made, but plastic production is still on the rise worldwide. This presents a huge challenge for waste management systems, including Japan’s, to keep up with the increasing demand for plastic and the waste it produces.
Conclusion
Japan’s response to marine pollution is a whole and multi-faceted approach using advanced technology, strong waste management systems, domestic initiatives, and international cooperation. The challenge is still there; however, the progress in Japan is of such value as an example to other countries interested in the challenge of growing threats from marine pollution. By continuing investments in innovative solutions, promoting responsible consumer behavior, and building up international cooperation, Japan takes very important steps in protecting oceans for future generations.
Source: This article is based on general knowledge of Japan’s environmental initiatives and strategies to combat marine pollution.