Japan is really one of the front runners in the world when it comes to green technologies. I have never seen more solar electric panels or solar hot water systems, than I have here on peoples homes. New technologies are hitting the news everyday coming from Japan on implementing green technologies.

Recycling here is so far above the fold than what it was like in America so much so that it’s astonishing, it seems like Americans and other countries just don’t want the bother, and they make it a choice. Here in Hokkaido, we have to separate glass, cans, plastics and paper into different bags, and then in turn take the recyclable items to the corner, (a block away), where everyone from the town brings there recyclable items for pickup. The service is totally free.

The burnable garbage is picked up separately on another day. This is happening all over Japan, and has been going on for at least 10 years, now it is just the norm and no one thinks nothing of it. Everybody is responsible for their own garbage, and usually you will not find garbage cans in parks, or most anywhere on the public streets. And the most awesome thing is, there is no garbage on the ground to speak of.

One plan that has been going on for about ten years concerning Hokkaido Energy Conservation is the hauling of snow from Hokkaido to more populated areas with little snow, to help with refrigeration thus saving on energy needs. We have tons of snow here with the skiing season sometimes continuing well into June.

The idea is to store the snow in a room that is situated beside buildings that need cooling. Vents with fans that are directing the cooled air from the snow can then be directed to where cooling is needed in the adjacent buildings. Apparently the savings in electricity for cooling costs are more than the fuel charges to haul the snow to areas that it is needed, therefore saving energy.

I think it is a great idea, if in fact the savings are greater than the fuel costs, Hokkaido is not lacking in snow that is for sure. We should be seeing some on the ground here within the next few weeks, you can see the snow line slowly traveling down the mountains and soon the whole kamikawa basin that we live in will be covered. Time to learn how to snowboard, and to dig out the winter clothes.

It makes me feel proud that Hokkaido Energy Conservation is a big topic in the minds of the city leaders here. Take care all!

1. 

   Liara Covert says:

   October 11, 2008 at 10:04 pm

   Recycling and composting are also widespread in Melbourne, Australia. It is remarkable to learn to stand back and view the wordl from different vanatges points and based on different experiences.
2. 

   Charles Hamel says:

   October 12, 2008 at 5:08 am

   True Liara

   America really needs to step up the efforts towards conservation, I am not sure why it is low on the list of priorities. Maybe due to other more serious problems, it takes the back burner.

   Thanks as always