PLASTICS AROUND US: A CULTURE OF WASTEFULNESS?

Abstract

Both Japan and Malaysia are surrounded by waters that play an important role in terms of economic and transport. Water pollution will have a negative impact on both countries. One of earth’s current main concerns is the pollution caused by plastics. Plastics are widely used for packaging of goods but it is not appropriate when the goods are packed repeatedly or layered as this is considered wastage which can cause plastic pollution. This article discusses the escalating problem of plastic contamination and the strengthening of furoshiki culture and the sense of mottainai which can help reduce the use of plastic as a wrapper of goods in Japan. The Educational Co-Research for Sustainability (ECoS) group which was formed in Tokyo, Japan under the program of Grants-in-Aid for “KAKENHI” tries to infuse the concept of Green and Sustainable Chemistry into chemistry education. ECoS suggests that one of the ways is to educate the students regarding the topic of plastics in classrooms are also discussed. With the escalating amount of waste generated in urban areas, we need to come up with such solutions soon.