Students Embrace Sustainability Out of Love, Not Just Duty

Sustainability is Driven by Love

In a groundbreaking survey conducted by the nonprofit organization Forever Green, it was found that a significant majority of high school girls in Tokyo feel a strong connection between love and sustainability. According to the survey, 78% of respondents expressed that they would engage in sustainable practices, such as waste sorting and beach cleanups, for the sake of their loved ones.

The backdrop for this study is the upcoming sustainable experience event, "Peace for Earth 2025," which aims to foster a sense of responsibility toward the planet. The survey targeted female students aged 15 to 17 from a school in Setagaya, Tokyo, and it illuminated how emotional ties drive sustainable actions more than logical reasoning or obligation.

Key Findings from the Survey

Some of the pivotal questions posed during the study included:
1. Would you engage in sustainable activities for your loved ones? 78% of respondents affirmed that the emotional connection to their family, friends, or significant others motivates them towards acts of sustainability.
2. Will you opt for sustainable gifts on special occasions? 54% expressed willingness to purchase sustainable products for birthdays or commemorative events, highlighting a growing trend of sustainable consumption as gifts.
3. Does gifting sustainable products enhance happiness? A staggering 78% felt that presenting sustainable gifts translates into shared happiness among loved ones.
4. Do sustainable practices contribute to personal happiness and economic growth? 64% believed that engaging in sustainable actions leads to not just emotional benefits but also positive impacts on the economy and CO2 reduction.
5. Do you strive for a better future through your sustainable actions? 66% of participants conveyed a desire to create a better future for those they love, with a sense of accountability toward future generations.
6. Is it necessary to appeal emotionally rather than just logically? 67% believed that targeting emotions is essential for promoting sustainability among youth.
7. Could linking sustainability with love stimulate action? Lastly, 39% felt a connection between love and sustainability could inspire further sustainable behavior.

These insights reveal a compelling narrative: young women are driven by their feelings of love and a desire to share happiness when it comes to sustainability. They are more than willing to choose sustainable products for gifts, recognizing these choices as expressions of love. Furthermore, the understanding that sustainable actions can lead to a happier society is resulting in expanded awareness.

The Need for Emotional Appeal

While government initiatives strive for a sustainable society, consumer behavior has not fully adapted to selecting sustainable options in daily life. Forever Green aims to bridge this gap by framing sustainability as an act of love and sharing happiness. This perspective could potentially inspire younger generations to consider sustainability as a part of their identity.

As part of this initiative, the organization is gearing up for an engaging event: the "SDGs Experience Area: Peace for Earth 2025 High School" scheduled for November 15th and 16th at Omohara no Mori in Harajuku. The event, now in its ninth year, is expected to draw many participants, offering experience booths, influencer appearances, and the distribution of 110,000 sustainability-focused pamphlets. This multifaceted approach accentuates the importance of sustainability in a more relatable context.

Event Details

- Name: SDGs Experience Area "Peace for Earth" 2025 High School
- Dates: November 15-16, 2025 (subject to change in case of inclement weather)
- Location: Omohara no Mori, Harajuku, Tokyo
- Hosted by: Forever Green
- Co-sponsored by: Tokyo Environmental Bureau

In summary, this survey highlights how high school girls in Tokyo are more inclined to pursue sustainable practices fueled by love and a desire for happiness, rather than merely being motivated by obligation or logic. The emotional ties they feel towards their loved ones serve as a powerful catalyst in their commitment to creating a sustainable future.

For more information on the Peace for Earth event or to participate as an exhibitor, please contact Forever Green.