#Japan #Tokyo #Choice Hotels #SDGs #Banana Paper

Inspiring Young Minds for Sustainability

On January 17, 2026, an exciting event named "Creating Eco-friendly Art with Banana Paper" took place, aimed at elementary school children, thanks to the collaboration between One Planet Café Zambia, the Department of Sustainability at Musashino University, and Choice Guest Club™ of Choice Hotels Japan. The event, held at the TKP Akihabara Conference Center, drew in 12 lucky children out of 45 applicants from the members of Choice Guest Club™, a loyalty program promoting community and sustainability through travel.

The essential theme of the event was centered around sustainability. Participants were educated on the innovative concept of banana paper, made from banana plant fibers that are usually discarded. Under the guidance of students from Musashino University, the children had a hands-on experience in making their own banana paper. They learned how the seemingly waste materials could be transformed into beautiful and usable paper.

As part of their creative journey, the kids not only created banana paper but also decorated it, using their personal touch to turn it into unique keychains and badges. This hands-on experience allowed them to engage in the joy of crafting while reinforcing the importance of environmental consciousness.

In the latter part of the event, Sotoko Ekuberi from One Planet Café Zambia delivered an insightful presentation about the current scenario in Zambia, discussing the background of banana paper's inception and its social significance. This captivating lecture deepened the children's understanding of important concepts such as SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), fair trade, and environmental issues.

One Planet Café Zambia plays a vital role in this sustainable movement by producing fair trade products like banana paper, thus creating new job opportunities in the region. They merge traditional Japanese papermaking techniques, such as those used in Echizen-washi, with local resources to achieve sustainable production. This not only benefits the local economy but also introduces an innovative approach to sustainability, paving the way for future generations to follow.

Choice Hotels Japan is dedicated to fostering a sustainable society. Through programs like Choice Guest Club™, which recently surpassed 1.18 million members, they contribute to social causes while providing their guests with hotel discounts and other privileges. This dual-purpose approach allows members to make their travel experiences meaningful while engaging in social contributions.

As the world increasingly focuses on sustainability, events like this not only raise awareness among children but also plant the seeds of environmental stewardship at a young age. The impact of such initiatives, which integrate education with creativity, resonates across generations.

The interactive and fun atmosphere of the event encouraged children to express themselves artistically while understanding the significance of sustainability in our society. Choice Hotels Japan, along with its partners, is committed to continuing these efforts to build a sustainable future for all.

Event Overview:

• - Name: Creating Eco-friendly Art with Banana Paper
• - Date: January 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
• - Venue: TKP Akihabara Conference Center, Tokyo
• - Participants: 12 members' children from Choice Guest Club™
• - Fee: Free

This initiative not only empowers young minds but also showcases how companies can play an essential role in the education and sustainability conversation. Choice Hotels Japan aims to continue fostering such community engagements, ensuring that future generations are educated, aware, and ready to contribute to a more sustainable world.