Ceramic Tableware Recycling by Green Life 21 Project - Red Objects

In this network, the collected wares that can be used again are sold as used goods ( MOTTAINAI
EVENT) and only the leftover tableware is used for recycling. This activity places a priority on reuse,
which has a smaller environmental impact than recycling, and similar activities by civic groups
around the country have become increasingly significant.
(2) Cooperation with Local Governments
16 local governments in Japan have started to collect used tableware as general waste. The
collection system varies, such as when the local government itself collects used wares, or when it
entrusts collection to citizens or NPOs. In each case, however, the aim is to reduce nonflammable
waste and landfill costs and to provide education on a recyclable society to its citizens. The activity
is not limited solely to this collection activity, but there are also many cases where recycled products
that are recovered by collection, such as Re-shokki, etc., are procured within the area where used
tableware was collected. The results of a survey on citizen awareness of tableware recycling are
shown in Figure 7 for your reference (Hasegawa et al. 2007). In 2007, Meijo University, the author
and other staff members conducted a questionnaire (sample number: 595) with citizens of Tajimi
City where the Mino ware production area is situated. As you can see from this figure, many citizens
are supportive of the collection and recycling of used tableware. In fact, the Tajimi City government
started collection in 2010 based on the results of this survey.
Collection of used tableware
Are you willing to
4.7
18.1
3.2
44.1
29.2
coo
pera
Cooperation(self-­‐
pay)
Cooperation(the
burden of city)
Not
unknown
No answer
Fig. 7 Public awareness of the collection of ceramic tableware and cooperation by citizens
5. Recycled Tableware and Eco-Design
When developing recycled tableware, it is important to consider the environmental impact
throughout the tableware life-cycle as well as resource recycling. The GL21 takes the reduction of
the environmental burden into consideration as much as possible during the stages of clay
preparation, pottery manufacturing, logistics, use and recycling at the stage of product planning and
reflects these considerations in its designs. This eco-design is performed in cooperation with
housing equipment manufacturers, design sectors of universities and designers in Japan and
overseas. While the need for eco-friendly manufacturing is increasing and international regulations
are becoming stricter, eco design that takes resource saving, energy saving and safety into
consideration has become a vital issue even for traditional production areas. The environmental
considerations of Re-shokki and Saisei-001, which are the leading designs presented as a solution
to the aforementioned issue, are stated in the following section (Figure 8).
First, during the manufacturing stage, not only the use of recycled materials is taken into
consideration, but adopting a simple shape that improves productivity, reducing the use of metal
oxides, which are considered to be harmful, and simplifying the manufacturing process by omitting
the painting process are included as well. At the stage of usage, items were selected that can adapt
to various Japanese dining styles as well as frequent use and they were examined in terms of
aesthetic design in addition to easy washing and easy storage, in consideration of extending
product life. In the recycling stage, composition using different materials in products was avoided
RED Objects⏐⏐Collaboration in Experimental Design Research
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Would you like to recycle your tableware
?
no answer 2.9
no
yes
5.2
0 20 40 60 80 100
91.9