Reduce / Reuse / Recycle

September 27, 2003

 

Mobile Dishwashing Truck Eliminates Event Trash

Keywords: Food Local government Reduce / Reuse / Recycle 

Local festivals are an important part of community life in Japan, and food stalls are a common feature at these events. But the use of disposable plates, cups, and cutlery creates large amounts of waste destined for the landfill. In an effort to make these events more environmentally friendly, in the summer of 2003, Sapporo City in Hokkaido, northern Japan, introduced a mini-truck that enables the repeated use of tableware. <br><br>The 1.5-ton truck, nicknamed "Araeru," (which literally means "can wash") has an open-kitchen design, and comes complete with tableware and a dishwasher that can wash about 16 large plates during each 90-second wash cycle. The tableware includes 200 sets containing bowls, two kinds of plates, cups, chopsticks, and spoons.<br><br>Neighborhood groups and other organizations can rent the truck for a basic charge of 1,000 yen (about U.S.$8) plus fuel costs, to hold festivals and events without creating a mountain of waste. After a test run in July, Araeru made its debut at the "Environmental Festival in Sapporo 2003," from August 1 to 3. The actual rental service started on August 4.<br><br>




Posted: 2003/09/27 11:51:50 AM
Japanese version

 

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