Japan Likes Green Lifestyles – China Next?
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 06. 3.06
From an Associated Press report we see evidence that Japanese consumers are adapting lifestyles like those TreeHugger embraces. “A U.S. lifestyle concept that combines consumerism with a bit of ecological conscience is proving a hit in shopping-crazy Japan, where workaholic "salarymen" are looking for quick fixes for stress and thinking green is becoming fashionable.” "...A Tokyo department store has a section for LOHAS goods . Magazines are singing the praises of the LOHAS lifestyle, including yoga, organic wine, aroma therapy and the option of bringing your own grocery bag”. Reportedly, “the idea is going mainstream in a much bigger way in Japan than in the U.S..”
Via: the Daily Camera .
The only example of "greener" lifestyles that I've seen recently is the trend of people bringing their own grocery bags to stores. But even for that, I would stop far short of calling it a widespread thing.
I see all sorts of evidence of China's government going green to win favor with its populace and China's industries going green to win favor with the government and to save money, but I don't see much of it yet by consumers there. The sophisticated Chinese consumer wants organic for health reasons and the Chinese will conserve when it saves them money. But, there really is not much of an environmental ethos there yet.
I am living in Japan right now, and while they definitely live a more minimal impact lifestyle in some ways, the rampant consumerism and the insane amounts of packaging are definitely not like this. Think Apple iPod style packaging of layers and layers for a cookie from the bakery and you get the idea.
Whilst packaging is one component of a green lifestyle. Perhaps one of the most visible. Its important not to forget that transport, energy and housing are responsible for majority of a persons ecofootprint.