The fashion industry is one of the biggest polluters along with oil. A company in the Japanese city of Kurashiki is making ethical jeans that have less impact on the environment. They use organic Ivory Coast cotton and other innovations, including a technology that recycles large amounts of wastewater from the production process. Let's explore a fresh take on jeans that are friendly to both the earth and the people who wear them.
The island of Bali, Indonesia is known for its world-famous beach resorts. But Indonesia is also known as the second largest emitter of marine plastics in the world, and immediate action has been called for. Amid this situation, local NGOs and other groups are working to collect plastic garbage and "upcycle" it, giving it a new life by transforming it into things like sandals and tables. We also introduce ways people are upcycling plastic into stylish accessories and more in Japan.
Japan's restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores offer almost every kind of food imaginable. But too much of it goes to waste. Food containers also tend to end up in the trash. But a supermarket in Kyoto Prefecture is seeking zero-waste solutions, allowing customers to buy only what they need, without unnecessary packaging. And a group of college students are working to sell farm-fresh vegetables that would otherwise be thrown away. We explore ways to reduce food-related waste in our daily lives.
This time, we visit Kamikatsu, Japan's first town dedicated to achieving zero waste, and see why it's gaining worldwide attention. One reason: its recycling system, in which waste is separated into 45 categories. 80% gets recycled, which reduces incineration. There's also a free used goods shop and more. These efforts have attracted young people and revitalized the town. Our host Alisa Evans visits to get a "zero waste" experience.
How can we reduce our burden on the global environment? We'll share some simple, practical ideas about little things each of us can do right now to help create a healthier society.
On the Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima, oyster cultivation leads to plastic waste in the ocean. A new project aims to solve that problem with mountain bamboo. We also learn how nutrients flowing from the mountains help to create abundant seas, and how maintaining forests and seas forms a virtuous cycle that helps both.
Fukushima Prefecture is rich in natural resources and is aiming for 100% of its energy to be generated by renewables by 2040. That goal was inspired by the 2011 nuclear accident. We visit a small-scale solar firm working toward local production and consumption, then a hot springs resort that's generating geothermal energy.
Rich in nutrients, seaweed is gaining attention as a superfood. It also has lots of potential in tackling environmental issues. From Japan to the world, the amazing possibilities of seaweed!
This time, we focus on ethical circular fashion, from a recycled wool brand featured at Paris Fashion Week to polyester products given new life thanks to recycling on the molecular level.
Japanese firms are rethinking mass production and disposal. The world's third-largest clothing company is recycling and reusing used clothes. Plus, one firm is reducing e-waste and helping refugees.
Rising temperatures are changing marine life. Sushi chains introduce unfamiliar fish, and researchers seek to breed species that can endure higher temperatures. This time, living with a warming sea.