How Japan is putting sustainability front and center
While the U.S. and the world as a whole is not on track to meet the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Sean Schrader saw firsthand how Japan is committed to achieving a more sustainable future.
Sean Schrader is a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree and MBA from the University of South Florida. He currently serves as a Global Goals ambassador to the United Nations Association of the USA, where he focuses on SDG 11, making cities and communities safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
I became focused on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because they offer a blueprint for the planet’s future. Created in 2012, the SDGs consist of 17 goals aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing challenges by 2030. These goals include eradicating extreme poverty, promoting world peace, defending human rights, achieving gender equality, and fostering environmental sustainability.
Unfortunately, many countries, including the United States, are not on track to meet these targets by 2030. However, Japan stands out for its serious commitment to the SDGs.
During my semester abroad in the Fall of 2024 as an English teacher in Munakata City, Japan, I noticed a striking cultural focus on sustainability. Japan not only discusses the SDGs but actively encourages its citizens to engage in sustainability efforts through accessible actions.
Here are six examples of sustainability in Japan that I experienced firsthand:
1. Starbucks Japan’s focus on cutting waste
In Japan, Starbucks locations have gone beyond simply talking about sustainability—they make it easy for customers to contribute. I was amazed by the elaborate waste separation system at a Starbucks in Shinjuku. There were separate bins for drink disposal, burnable items, and non-burnable waste. Starbucks Japan also recycles coffee grounds, uses reusable glasses, and has committed to using biodegradable straws, part of their efforts to reduce waste by half by 2030. Nearly 200 locations are eco-certified, demonstrating a real commitment to sustainability
2. Sustainable city communities
In Munakata City, I visited Hinosato 48, a community housing complex dedicated to promoting sustainability and community engagement. Residents can participate in various activities, such as brewing beer, woodworking, or gardening. The complex blends modern amenities with a respect for local traditions, creating an environment where sustainability and community well-being thrive.
3. Reusable delivery bags
At Munakata City Hall, I learned about an innovative solution to reduce waste in food delivery. The city provides residents with reusable bags that have locking mechanisms. If a resident is not home to accept a delivery, the bag ensures the food stays safe and doesn’t need to be re-delivered. This small but effective initiative reduces carbon emissions associated with multiple delivery attempts.
4. Community beach clean-ups
During the Munakata Eco International Symposium in 2024, I joined local community leaders in cleaning up a beach. Volunteers from all walks of life, including business leaders, government officials, and students, worked together to collect trash. Some of the debris was local, but much had washed ashore from the ocean, highlighting the global nature of waste pollution. These efforts exemplify Japan’s collaborative approach to environmental stewardship.
5. Beach-cleaning robots
At Kyushu Institute of Technology, I saw the future of environmental clean-up in action: autonomous robots designed to pick up trash on beaches. These robots, which can collect up to 18 pounds of trash per session, are an exciting example of how Japan is combining innovation with sustainability. As AI advances, the potential for these robots to make a greater impact grows.
6. Sustainable manufacturing
At the Toyota Motor Kyushu plant in Miyawaka City, I witnessed firsthand how the company is working to integrate SDGs into its manufacturing processes. Toyota aims for zero emissions in its production and has also invested in corporate social responsibility initiatives that promote local community sustainability. Seeing these practices up close was a reminder that even large corporations can play a crucial role in driving sustainability.
What other countries are leading the way in sustainability?
Japan’s efforts are commendable, but it’s important to note that other countries are also leading the way. According to the 2023 Sustainable Development Report, Finland ranks #1 in SDG performance, followed by Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. Japan ranks #18, ahead of the U.S., which is #46. While European nations generally lead, Japan remains a key player in advancing the SDGs in Asia and beyond.
I believe everyone has a role in shaping a better future, and the SDGs offer a roadmap to guide our collective efforts. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by global challenges, Japan’s examples of sustainable living show that small, intentional actions can make a big difference. The SDGs don’t require us to overhaul our lives; they ask us to consider how our time, resources, and talents can contribute to a more sustainable world.
The question now is: How can you, in your own life, help move us closer to the 2030 targets?