#Japan #Isesaki #Upcycling #Palsystem Gunma #Yotsuba Academy

Embracing Sustainability: Upcycling Experience at Yotsuba Academy

On March 16, 2023, Yotsuba Academy in Isesaki City will host a special class focused on sustainability as part of their SDGs initiative. This engaging experience, organized by Palsystem Gunma, allows first-year students to partake in a hands-on dyeing workshop using onion skins, showcasing the idea of finding value in items that are typically discarded.

The Value of Rejects

The technique used in this workshop, known as "nokori-dye", involves dyeing fabrics with the leftover skins of vegetables and fruits, which usually end up in the trash. By transforming these often-overlooked materials into beautiful, colored handkerchiefs, students not only create art but also learn about sustainable production and consumption practices.

Last September, students participated in another session organized by Palsystem Gunma where they learned about the basics of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This time, the focus is on the theme of "mottainai"—a Japanese expression that denotes regret over waste. Through this workshop, students will experience firsthand the process of upcycling onion skins into dyes, thereby reinforcing the notion of finding value in what is often seen as waste. The objective is to inspire students to reconsider their buying habits, promoting ethical consumerism and recognizing the importance of individual actions for the future.

The onion skins used for this workshop are sourced from local farms that practice reduced pesticide use. Palsystem Gunma has collaborated with Yasai Kurabu Co., a company in Showa Village, Gunma Prefecture, which coordinates the supply chain with a facility that employs individuals with disabilities to process the skins for educational purposes. This initiative perfectly illustrates the heart of upcycling—taking something that is generally thrown away and giving it new life, while also fostering awareness about waste.

Details of the SDGs Special Class: "Nokori-Dye"

• - Date: March 16, 2026 (Monday)

- Session 1: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Session 2: 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM (joint class)

• - Location: Home Economics Room, Yotsuba Academy, Isesaki City (1702-1 Kamiiueki Honcho, Isesaki)
• - Participants: First-year students (approximately 130)

Education Through Collaboration

Palsystem Gunma is dedicated to fostering educational opportunities that promote SDGs within the community. Since 2019, they have been collaborating with schools in Gunma Prefecture to help students understand sustainable practices and contribute to shaping a sustainable society.

In addition to the upcoming class, Yotsuba Academy has previously hosted special sessions focusing on various aspects of sustainability. Palsystem Gunma staff act as instructors during these sessions, combining informative discussions with practical activities to instill the foundational concepts of the SDGs.

Palsystem Gunma's commitment goes beyond one-time workshops; they aspire to establish a lasting culture of sustainability among the youth. As future leaders, these students will carry forward the essential values of responsible consumption and waste reduction, ultimately leading to a more sustainable future.



Company Information

• - Name: Palsystem Gunma
• - Location: 120-11 Nakadaira, Takasaki City, Gunma
• - Chairperson: Makiko Ohira
• - Capital: 1.12 billion yen
• - Number of Members: 51,000
• - Total Sales: 6.16 billion yen (as of March 2025)
• - Official Website: Palsystem Gunma

The efforts and initiatives taken by Palsystem Gunma in partnership with local educational institutions are paving the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come. By engaging the youth in meaningful activities, they are cultivating a sense of responsibility and awareness that will echo in their decisions as consumers. The journey towards sustainability continues, one lesson at a time.