#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Kuradashi #mottECO

Kuradashi's Initiative for Food Waste Reduction

On October 9, 2023, Kuradashi Co., a company based in Shinagawa, Tokyo, officially launched a special site dedicated to MottECO, a program aimed at encouraging consumers to take home leftovers from restaurants. This initiative is part of the Ministry of the Environment’s project to incorporate models for reducing food waste through the MottECO introduction model business.

Understanding MottECO and its Importance

MottECO, a playful term derived from “mottainai” (a Japanese expression conveying a sense of regret over waste), symbolizes the commitment to not only reduce food waste but to redefine consumer habits related to leftovers. By providing guidelines and facilitating a cultural shift towards taking home uneaten meals, the initiative aims to tackle the escalating issue of food waste that has significant environmental implications.

The Launch of the Special Site

The newly established special site serves as a hub of information regarding MottECO, making it easily accessible for consumers. Featuring guidelines on how to responsibly take home leftovers, the site outlines the benefits of participating in the program. Kuradashi envisions this platform as a means to enhance public awareness and educate both consumers and businesses about the importance of food waste reduction. It aims to promote safety for consumers and minimize the liabilities for businesses engaged in this practice.

Goals for Public Awareness

By hosting events and partnering with educational institutions, local governments, and various organizations, Kuradashi seeks to spread the word about the MottECO initiative. The company's overarching mission is to uphold its identity as a social good company that strives to be Japan's leading entity in food waste reduction.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Kuradashi is a collaborative effort, with the “MottECO Advocacy Consortium” comprising over 30 groups from the food industry, local governments, and educational institutions. The consortium focuses on raising awareness and implementing strategies to mitigate food waste, and its combined efforts lend robustness to the MottECO message. Participating partners include well-known food chains like Denny’s Japan and various academic institutions committed to sustainability.

Resources Available on the Special Site

The special site is designed not just for information dissemination but also to encourage engagement from consumers in the battle against food waste. It communicates the message of taking home leftovers in a friendly and approachable manner, providing practical tips for safe transport and consumption of leftover food. Through interactive content and guides, Kuradashi aims to inspire a collective responsibility toward reducing food waste.

What You Can Do

The site encourages consumers to actively participate in MottECO by adopting practices such as requesting doggy bags at restaurants and sharing leftover food responsibly with others. Kuradashi believes that small changes in consumer behavior can lead to significant environmental benefits.

Overall Impact and Future Goals

The overall impact of Kuradashi’s initiatives is substantial; as reported, they have managed to reduce food waste by over 29,000 tons to date, translating into significant economic and environmental savings. As the food waste reduction month approaches, the special site is a timely and valuable resource aimed at bolstering these efforts across Japan.

For more information about the MottECO initiative, visit the special site and join in the effort to make a difference today!