IDEAS FOR GOOD to host “Circular Kameoka Learning Program—Discover, Experience, and Create in the Circular City of Kameoka”

From November 21 to 22, IDEAS FOR GOOD, a web media platform by Harch Inc. dedicated to sharing ideas for a better society, will host the “Circular Kameoka Learning Program—Discover, Experience, and Create in the Circular City of Kameoka,” an event focused on experiencing circular economy and sustainable urban planning.

Circular Kameoka Learning Program—Discover, Experience, and Create in the Circular City of Kameoka

Located just a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto and about an hour from central Osaka, Kameoka City offers tranquil rural landscapes while remaining accessible from urban centers. The famous Hozu River boat rides and the city’s seasonal beauty have long attracted visitors from around the world.

Known as the “Little Kyoto of the Tanba region,” Kameoka has recently emerged as a pioneer in environmental innovation in Japan. Among its trailblazing initiatives is Japan’s first ordinance banning plastic shopping bags, reflecting the city’s commitment to eliminating plastic waste through public and private collaboration. In partnership with Garbage School, IDEAS FOR GOOD will host this circular economy-focused event in Kameoka in November 2024.

Since hosting the 10th Sea Litter Summit 2012 Kameoka Hozugawa Conference, the first Sea Litter summit inland area in Japan, Kameoka has deepened its commitment to tackling waste issues in rivers and oceans. In 2018, Kameoka issued its Plastic Waste Zero Declaration, pledging to eliminate single-use plastic waste by 2030. This commitment led to projects like the 2019 KAMEOKA FLY BAG Project, and in 2020, Kameoka passed Japan’s first ordinance banning the provision of plastic shopping bags, which took effect in January 2021, setting a nationwide precedent.

Additionally, Kameoka, known historically as “Kyoto’s kitchen” and a key producer of Kyoto vegetables, declared itself an Organic Village in 2023. To pass on its rich food and agricultural heritage to future generations, Kameoka now supports organic farming and has introduced organic produce into school lunches.

In Kameoka, ancient traditions and resource-conscious approaches are integrated with cutting-edge sustainable practices. Local government, private enterprises, and residents, including newcomers, work together to make Kameoka a globally recognized environmental city. Participants in the Circular Kameoka program will gain insights from the city’s policies, innovative local business initiatives, and the traditional Japanese “mottainai (waste-not)” philosophy to explore pathways for building a circular economy.

The more details and registration are found on Peatix page. (in Japanese)

Program date: November 21 – November 22, 2024

[Reference] “Circular Kameoka Learning Program—Discover, Experience, and Create in the Circular City of Kameoka” | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Site] IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)