#Japan #Osaka #Food Waste #Kansai #ChoiSasu

Promoting Sustainable Consumption: The ChoiSasu Campaign

In a bid to combat food waste, four retail companies in the Kansai region of Japan have joined forces to launch the "ChoiSasu." campaign as part of the Environmental Ministry's model project aimed at reducing food loss associated with consumer behavior. The initiative is part of the co-creation challenge occurring during the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo 2025 and has seen support from various retailers to launch a consumer campaign.

Campaign Details

The ChoiSasu campaign will run from October 1 to November 30, 2025, with individual companies specifying their participation periods. To take part, consumers can upload receipts from purchases exceeding 1,000 yen (including tax), which include products with special discount stickers, such as rice balls and bread. Participants will have the chance to win vouchers through a lottery.

Collaborating Companies

This innovative campaign leverages the strengths of four distinct businesses:

• - Akakabe Co., Ltd.: Based in Daito, Osaka, this regional drugstore and pharmacy chain operates around 120 stores across the prefecture. They have actively engaged in SDGs initiatives since joining ChoiSasu in 2023, utilizing their stores as platforms for raising awareness about soon-to-expire products.
• - Super National Co., Ltd.: Operating eight supermarkets in Osaka, this company emphasizes delivering safety and security to local residents through fresh food. They view this campaign as a new step in reinforcing their commitment to food waste reduction.
• - Ecoeat: Managed by the NPO Japan Mottainai Food Center in Settsu, Osaka, this store specializes in selling food items that would typically be wasted, offering them at affordable prices. Starting in 2024, Ecoeat will establish a dedicated section for ChoiSasu within their store, enhancing awareness and information sharing on nearly expired products.
• - Kobe Cooperative Co-op: With 113 stores primarily located in Hyogo Prefecture, this cooperative operates a wide range of businesses, from retail to welfare services. Their continuous efforts in food waste reduction through various initiatives make them a key player in this collaborative campaign.

Background and Objectives

ChoiSasu aims to encourage slightly more sustainable consumer choices while actively promoting food waste reduction. By integrating consumer actions into their everyday shopping experiences, the campaign exemplifies a community-driven approach to achieving SDGs goals. The project has received recognition as a model initiative from the Environmental Ministry for the fiscal year 2025.

As part of the Osaka Kansai Expo's Team Expo 2025 program, the ChoiSasu campaign not only aligns with global sustainability efforts but also enhances local engagement. By harnessing the collective power of varied retailers, the campaign seeks to create a profound impact on both consumers and the environment. As each participating company brings its unique strengths to the table, the initiative serves as a model for community collaboration in fostering sustainable practices that effectively reduce food waste.

Through the ChoiSasu campaign, businesses and consumers alike are presented with a chance to partake in a movement that prioritizes sustainability, emphasizing the importance of conscious consumption and community cooperation in a rapidly changing world.