Word Card Collection Hongo Purchasing

Q:

It's been a long time since plastic shopping bags have been charged, but it seems that there is no obligation to charge if they are made of biodegradable plastic.

I feel that the recent policy on plastics is not "to convert to renewable materials" but "to eradicate", and I feel that I have lost sight of the essence of the SDGs.

And this time, plastic spoons etc. will also be charged, which seems to be a reform that is not kind to us users.

Although the University of Tokyo Co-op is not directly connected to the University of Tokyo, it is within the University of Tokyo and is rarely seen as the same by outsiders. I look forward to seeing your progress.

This is a long introduction, but I saw something like this the other day.

Completed Japan's first marine biodegradable plastic shopping bag! Kirax, a manufacturing company, explains the background – Kirax Co., Ltd.

In April 2021, Japan's first marine biodegradable plastic shopping bag was completed. Kirax, a manufacturing company, tells the background of the introduction of marine biodegradable plastic (SDGs, charging for shopping bags), and the development process and overview of marine biodegradable plastic shopping bags.

www.kiracs.co.jp

According to this page, they have succeeded in developing marine biodegradable plastics (plastics that can be decomposed by microorganisms not only when buried in the ground but also in the sea) and their processing development (especially plastic shopping bags).

I don't know if this is a solution to the microplastic problem, and in the first place, there is no need to use something that takes into account the ocean on the site of the University of Tokyo. I believe that actively incorporating material development with an eye to the future will be a great help in expanding these developments.

From the above, why not use marine biodegradable plastic shopping bags or other plastic products for the sake of users and for environmental activities based on the SDGs that are expected to progress in the future? , I will suggest.

A:

Thank you for sharing information and suggestions.

Regarding the reduction of plastic

I think that the situation is that retailers, including co-ops, are being swayed by policies that give the impression that they are doing something.

However, setting aside whether or not the environmental burden has been reduced, taking the opportunity of charging for plastic shopping bags,

I think there is no mistake that the public's awareness of this issue has turned.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our members.

For the time being, we believe that the current rules will continue to operate in consideration of social norms.

Regarding plastic shopping bags, we are promoting the use of biomass materials for plastic shopping bags throughout the University of Tokyo co-op.

Therefore, strictly speaking, it is not subject to charging, and it is possible to distribute it for free. As a low-cost university co-op, one of our perspectives is to contribute to the environment by reducing the total amount of plastic used by reducing the use of plastic bags.

We will continue to consider switching to plastic bags that have a low environmental impact.

At this time, we are unable to provide a specific response.

We will continue to consider the balance between the convenience of using the store and the environmental impact.

That's all for the explanation of the current situation.

Q:

I want you to sell stickers. It is commonly sold at overseas universities. I want to stick it on my suitcase.

A:

Since last year, the use of marked products has decreased significantly due to entry restrictions etc.

Depending on the number of pieces to be manufactured at one time and the price, I think it will be difficult to sell immediately.

I would like you to consider it positively.