Hiroshi Takatsuki

Professor, Environment Preservation Center, Kyoto University
(Yoshida Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-01, Japan)

Abstract

In this paper, considering the problem of garbage as a problem of lifestyle, how to change our lifestyle is discussed. In order to reduce domestic wastes, it is necessary to analyze more practically the relationship between lifestyle and generation and recycling of wastes. Recycling is important: however, minimization at source is more important. Change of lifestyle demands simultaneous changes in our social sysytem. To implement these changes, it will be necessary (1) to introduce economic incentives, (2) to clarify enterprises' responsibilities by law, and (3) to promote green-consumerism. In order to solve global environmental problems, it is necessary to change lifestyles of people in advanced countries, to minimize their impact on the earth as far as possible. Reduction of domestic wastes should be considered a consequence of change of lifestyle.

Key words: reduction of domestic wastes, lifestyle, minimization at source, economic incentive, green consumerism