Japan has long enjoyed a reputation for being sustainability-minded, with strict waste management laws and recycling guidelines in place to ensure landfill use is kept to a minimum. And with over 67 percent of Japan covered by forested lands, the Japanese have always enjoyed a close relationship with Nature. Wherever you go in Japan, be it a national park or a public garden, there are signs everywhere reminding one not to litter and to keep your volume down so as not to disturb the wildlife living there.
Eat right with sustainably sourced bamboo tableware from Nakayoshi Shoji.
It is perhaps this collective mindset of minimising waste that inspired these creators to produce household items that are both innovative and environmentally friendly. Recently lauded at the OMOTENASHI Selection, a prestigious award that aims to showcase the creativity and ingenuity of Japanese-made products and services, this line-up is a must-have in any eco warrior’s home.
SHISUI hai
These eye-catching sake cups from SanYoshi Lacquerware are made of plant-derived plastic.
As its name “sisui(紫翠)”, an expression of the lush colour of nature, these SISUI hai sake cups actually come in a wide array of colours and designs. SanYoshi Lacquerware, the company behind this series of products, was adamant to tackle the plastic waste problem, which is why they came up with a range of “plastic” sake cups. Made of plant-derived plastic (a blend of starch, sugar cane and lactic acid bacteria), this 100% biodegradable cup has been certified non-toxic and safe for use as tableware and food packaging. The exquisite finishing of the product draws inspiration from the traditional Aizu lacquer, which has a history of over 400 years but uses a plant-based resin paint.
