Silviase/jgov_v1.4_full_ann huggingface dataset:
holds. It became necessary for a household, as the smallest unit of daily life, to have its own housing facilities, such as kitchen and bathroom, and durable consumer goods, such as washing machines, refrigerators, etc. The increase in these facilities also resulted in an increase in the consumption of energy and water.

While innovations in information and telecommunications technologies have raised expectation in the reduction of environmental load through work practices known as telework and SOHO and through the timely provision of appropriate environmental information, the increase in information and telecommunications equipment and excessive information exchanges are causing an increase in energy consumption.

While it is feared that individual ownership of equipment and the active 24-hour lifestyle may increase the environmental load caused by daily life, people’s desire to spend more time in nature and participate in volunteer activities can be seen as a promising trend that may lead to higher awareness about environmental conservation efforts.

In this way, socio-economic changes often exert positive or negative impact on the environment through daily life. Therefore, it is necessary to fully understand and tackle today's environmental problems as a sequence of problems closely related to changes in our socio-economy and to the way we lead our daily lives.

### 3. Increase in Environmental Load Resulting from Daily Life

Environmental load resulting from daily life increases

due to changes in the socio-economy.

Carbon dioxide, a major contributor to global warming, is emitted from all aspects of our production and consumption activities. In Japan, emissions from the residential sector in FY 2000 increased 20.4% from FY 1990 levels and increased 4.1% from the previous fiscal year.

In terms of Japan’s material balance in FY 2000, among the 2.13 billion tons of resources used, about 50% were consumed and disposed of. Only about 10% of the materials were recycled as resources. In terms

Changes in the Numbers of Households and Household Members (General Households)

Sources: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Population Statistics Data Book (2000), National Institute of Population and Social Security Research; and 2000 National Population Census, the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications.

Percentage of Pollution Load by Source in Tokyo Bay (FY 1999)

Source: Compiled from the Basic Policy of Total Reduction of Chemical Oxygen Demand, Nitrogen and Phosphorus (December 2001), the Ministry of the Environment

Note: The total output is greater than the total input due to water intake, etc. Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on various statistics
of general waste, including “household waste” produced by our daily life, the generation of waste per capita per day has remained at high levels in recent years.

Domestic effluent is the major cause of water pollution in enclosed water areas. In terms of COD, domestic effluent accounts for 70% of the pollutant load, especially in Tokyo Bay.

## Section 2: Environmental Load from the Daily Life of Every Individual and Effects of Various Efforts

### 1. Environmental Load from Daily Life

It is important to have an overall view of the load our daily activities exert on the environment. The environment is burdened not only in visible forms, such as the consumption of energy and resources through the use of electric home appliances, supply of water, and purchase of disposable goods, but also from the use to the disposal of products and services, which include the processing of materials and distribution of products.

Let us focus attention on product lifecycle energy (amount of energy used by a product throughout its lifecycle). In terms of environmental load, a large percentage of energy consumption in a year resulted from the use of products used in daily life, such as air conditioners and heaters, lighting and vehicles. A product may consume a large amount of energy in its manufacturing process, but its energy consumption per year may be smaller. On the other hand, the energy consumption of electricity or detergent may be small per day but may be substantial when calculated for an entire year.

Comparing the product lifecycle energy used in 1979 and 1994, energy consumption during production decreased 24%, thanks to energy conservation efforts in plants and other facilities; however, overall energy consumption increased 5.5% due to substantial increases in the use of electricity, gas and oil at homes.

Environmental Load from Daily Life

Source: Estimated by the Ministry of the Environment based on various statistics

Breakdown of Lifecycle Energy Used in Households

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on Lifecycle Energy in Households, Japan Resources Association.
Food mileage (unit: ton-km) is an index that shows the distance between the place where the food is produced and where it is consumed—a yardstick to measure environmental load caused by transportation. With a low food self-sufficiency rate, Japan is experiencing an increase in environmental load from food imports.

In view of the fact that environmental loads from our daily lives, including those resulting from activities not taking place within our living areas, are the cause of global environmental problems, we must make conscious efforts to consider the environment in our daily activities.

### 2. Reduction of Environmental Load in Daily Life and Concrete Effects

We can take various environmental-conscious actions in our daily lives.

The following are some examples of such actions: energy saving by adjusting the temperature of air conditioners and heaters to an appropriate level and making conscious efforts to save electricity; saving resources by reducing waste and recycling; and using environment-friendly products and services. For our leisure activities, we can participate in the activities to conserve and create a rich environment such as ecotourism and environmental volunteer activities.

The results of these measures are diverse. For example, even if the effect of each measure is small, if all households in Japan attempt ten actions, about 34.7 million tons of carbon dioxide can be reduced. This is equivalent to 2.8% of the amount of emissions of the base year as provided in the Kyoto Protocol. An accumulation of casual

Changes in Lifecycle Energy by Category

Sources: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on Studies on Lifecycle Energy (1979), Resources Research Institute of the Science and Technology Agency; and Lifecycle Energy in Households (1994), Japan Resources Association

Food Mileage of Imported Food Products (Per capita estimate)

1. Calculated by multiplying the amount of food imports from each of the exporting countries (top 15 countries) by the transport distance between the exporting country and the importing country.

2. Food products are those in the category of Nos. 2 to 4, 7 to 12 and 15 to 24 of the Commodity Classification Codes (HS Code) used in the Trade Statistic, Ministry of Finance.

3. Transport distance is substituted by the slant distance between the exporting country or region and the capital of the importing country.

Source: Estimated by the Policy Research Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PRIMAFF) based on various trade materials

Wa-no-Kurashi—Lifestyle Emphasizing Simplicity, Quality and Sustainability

Source: My Wa-no-Kurashi Handbook (August 2002), Ministry of the Environment

actions in daily life can have great significance. However, in view of the fact that carbon dioxide emissions from the residential sector is in the increase, we cannot say that our actions in our daily lives are achieving satisfactory results, making it even more important to start with activities in our everyday lives.
Influence of Environmental Information on Behaviors

Diffusion of Initiatives Undertaken by Individuals

numerous the information sources are and the more substantial the information is, the easier it becomes to facilitate environmental conservation activities. Therefore, a system must be developed to enable the gathering of environmental information, when needed in the format required, such as ecolabeling and green purchasing related information.

### 3. Individual Efforts Cumulate into a Tremendous Force

Dr. Everett Rogers, an American sociologist, put forward a generalized theoretical model of the process of innovation adoption that shows how new technologies and

products are launched in the market and gain acceptance by society. Rogers’ model of innovation adoption can be applied to environmental conservation measures such as the purchase of environment-friendly products, including hybrid vehicles, refillable detergents, and products with replaceable parts. When a product fulfills the factors of diffusion such as “obvious environmental conservation effect,” “same economical efficiency and functionality as conventional products,” “easy application,” “trial use possible,” and “visible results,” more and more people will adopt its use as time goes by. In this way, an individual’s action will spread to other people. The completion of the diffusion process means multiple users are contributing in creating an effect, which in turn, when coupled with the continuous effect of the action, will evolve into a common mode of behavior in individuals, thus creating a tremendous impact.

Many environment-friendly products are still in the process of adoption. In order for these products to make further inroads, corporations must develop new technology and design environment-conscious products, and the government must establish a framework and create institutions to assist individual actions so that everyone will continue to select environment-friendly products. The self-initiated and proactive efforts of individuals are the starting point that will bring forth these actions of businesses and government agencies. By each actor influencing other actors and creating a social environment that facilitates environmental conservation activities, such efforts will spread nationwide, creating a remarkable force as a result.
Changes in the Ownership of Hybrid Vehicles

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on data of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport

Changes in the Shipment of Refillable Products

Source: Environmental Annual Vol. 27 (FY 2002 edition), Japan Soap and Detergent Association

# Section 4: Changes in the Socio-economic System Arising from the Interaction between Individuals and Other Actors

### 1. Relationship between Individuals and Businesses

The increased awareness of environmental conservation in recent years has made businesses more responsive to environmental problems. While businesses actively make social contributions in the environmental field, businesses also tend to incorporate environmental considerations into business activities, such as formulating environmental management policy and setting up specific environmental goals and targets. Furthermore, green businesses are also on the rise. It had a market size of 29.9 trillion yen in 2000 and is expected to reach 47.2 trillion yen in 2010 and 58.4 trillion yen in 2020. During this period, the green business workforce is estimated to increase from 769,000 persons to 1.119 million in 2010 and 1.236 million yen in 2020.

Against this backdrop, we can view that proactive measures taken by businesses, such as to supply environment-friendly goods and services and environmental information, and to provide environmental education and learning, lend a great deal of support to the actions of individuals.

For example, eco-labeling represented by Eco Mark is an important source of information for consumers to enable them to exercise consideration for the environmen-

Reasons for Businesses to Engage in Social Contribution Activities

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on the Results of Social Contribution Activities Survey, Nippon Keidanren

tal load of products and select products and services with a smaller environmental load. In tandem with the rapid popularization of green purchasing and procurement, the number of products with such eco-labeling is on the rise.

Due to the fact that the “purchase of a product” is often to “acquire the function” of that product, a business model called “servicizing” which delivers the function of a product is gaining popularity. For example, car-sharing businesses in which members share the use of vehicles are making inroads everywhere. Such services not only directly lower environmental load but also are expected to bring forth a reexamination of our overall lifestyle through changing the way vehicles are owned and used because they account for a great portion of household spending.

Various stakeholders evaluate businesses from multiple aspects, including the environmental aspect. Businesses are starting to realize the importance of environmental communication. A growing number of businesses are taking initiatives to provide information through the Internet, compile and publish environmental reports, adopt environmental accounting, etc.
### 3. Relationship with Other Actors

Businesses and the government are not the only ones lending support to the efforts of individuals.

For example, the activities of environmental non-profit organizations (NPOs) provide venues for activities in areas closely related to the daily lives of individuals. By realizing the problems that exist in daily life and participating in NPO activities, it is hoped that individuals will help advance the activities of local communities and other actors. The diverse information dispatched by the mass media will help raise environmental awareness, give direction to the way daily activities are conducted, and expand the activity circles in daily life to the whole society. Furthermore, as every individual lives in relation to the people in the surrounding areas such as neighbors, acquaintances, friends and family members, it becomes possible to raise awareness or incorporate daily life measures through the exchange of information with these people.

Changes in the Number of Newspaper Articles on Environmental Issues

In this way, the environmental conservation efforts of one individual will promote the activities of other actors, which will in turn stimulate the activities of other individuals, creating a cycle of rippling effect. This chain of movements will eventually accelerate the reformation of the lifestyle of every individual.

## Section 5: New Developments towards a Sustainable Society

### 1. Key to the Building of a Sustainable Society

After the period of high economic growth, the number of people in search of spiritual richness rather than material wealth has been consistently on the rise. There is a tendency for people to place priority on an affluent and relaxing lifestyle, the pursuit of leisure activities, self-enlightenment and self-improvement rather than on durable consumer goods. Furthermore, the number of years before replacement of a durable consumer product has increased.

Against this backdrop, several new lifestyles have taken root recently.

For example, “simple life” has become a popular phrase representing a lifestyle that restores spiritual richness. Specifically, a person who is in pursuit of this type of lifestyle proposes the following: (1) leading a life that is surrounded by carefully selected items; (2) paying price in accordance with the value of goods while taking into consideration environmental concerns and possibility of long-term use; and (3) making extra efforts to use goods for a longer period through careful use, repairs and recycling. In order to diffuse this trend further, it is necessary for everyone to view such

Material Wealth or Spiritual Richness

Spiritual richness: "Having achieved certain level of material wealth, I would like to put emphasis on pursuing spiritual richness and a relaxing lifestyle from now on."

Material wealth: “I would like to continue to keep emphasis on enriching life with material comfort.”

Source: National Opinion Poll on People's Life, Cabinet Office (June 2002)
lifestyle as “attractive and cool.”

In addition, the “Slow Food” movement, a movement started in Italy in 1986 that reexamines the eating habit of modern man, is also gaining popularity in Japan. In recent years, as vegetables and other foods are not harvested during the harvesting season, food materials need to be grown in the heated green house and transported in large quantities to distant places where they are consumed. Such changes in eating habits have resulted in an increase in environmental load. The diffusion of the Slow Food movement, which promotes eating rice and local dishes, can reduce the burden on the environment.

### 2. Steps towards a Sustainable Society

A socio-economic system must be established to enable everyone to choose a sustainable lifestyle. The socio-economic system must be reformed and the awareness and actions of individuals must also be changed at the same time. However, not everyone can take the same path to reach the goal. It is necessary to realize that the changes in awareness and action can create an impetus that can change society. Progress must be made with steady steps.

Areas Where Improvements are Desired

Source: National Opinion Poll on People's Life (June 2002), Cabinet Office

Amount of Energy Used for Growing Cucumbers (1990)

Source: Compiled by the Ministry of the Environment based on Lifecycle Energy in Households, Japan Resources Association
## (2) Depletion of the Ozone Layer

It is well known that the ozone layer has been destroyed by ozone-depleting substances (ODSs) such as Chlorofuruorocarbons (CFCs). Ozone layer depletion leads to the increase of the quantity of harmful ultraviolet rays reaching the earth and the increased radiation may possibly cause health damages such as skin cancer and cataracts in humans.

The ozone layer is being depleted almost over the entire globe, with the exception of the tropical areas, and the

decrease is particularly notable at the higher latitudes. In Japan, too, a statistically significant depletion in the ozone layer above Sapporo (which is northern part of Japan) has been observed. The largest ozone hole above Antarctica was recorded in 2000.

In 1988, the Japanese Government enacted the Ozone Layer Protection Law to regulate the production, etc. of ODSs such as CFCs. Then in June 2001, the government enacted the Law for Ensuring the Implementation of Recovery and Destruction of Fluorocarbons concerning Specified Products (Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law). The Law requires recovering and destroying of fluorocarbons when discarding commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, or automobile air conditioners.

### 2. Conservation of the Atmospheric Environment (not including the global atmospheric environment)

## (1) Acid Deposition

Air pollutants such as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides emitted to the atmosphere by the combustion of fossil fuels are converted to sulfuric and nitric acids. These acids are incorporated into clouds, and fall onto the ground in the form of rain, snow and mists. These deposited acids increase acidity in soils and inland water such as lakes and rivers, and impact on forests, fishes, and other living creatures. The acid deposition also impacts on trees and cultural assets.

The impact of acid deposition in Japan is still not apparent at this time. But it is considered that the impact of acid deposition may take a long time before it becomes apparent, and the acid deposition will become a critical problem in the future.

## (2) Photochemical Oxidants

Photochemical oxidants are secondary pollutants formed when primary pollutants composed mainly of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and

hydrocarbons (HC) emitted from factories, business establishments and automobiles are exposed to sunlight and experience a photochemical reaction. Photochemical oxidants are a cause of photochemical smog that causes eye and throat irritation and respiratory distress. Level of exposure to photochemical oxidants still exceeds the environmental quality standard (EQS)—a one-hour value of 0.06 ppm or less—in almost all regions throughout the country.
## (3) Soil Pollution

Contaminated soil accumulates hazardous substances, perpetuating the state of pollution. In recent years, an increasing number of urban soil contamination cases are found during redevelopment work of former factories and research facilities. There were as many as 134 of such cases in FY 2000. The Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law was established in May 2002 and implemented on February 15, 2003, to carry out measures against soil pollution such as getting an accurate picture of the current state of soil pollution and prevention of harm to human health caused by soil pollution.

## (4) Ground Subsidence

Excessive pumping of groundwater can lower the level of the groundwater and shrink the clay layer, which leads to ground subsidence. Once ground subsidence occurs, the ground will not recover to its former level, which can cause damage to buildings and aggravate flooding. There were a total of 61 areas in 37 prefectures that reported ground subsidence by FY 2001.

### 4. Measures for Waste and Recycling

Since FY 1989, Japan has been generating domestic waste at an annual volume of approximately 50 million tons or more. These annual volumes have remained steady over the last several years. Of all domestic waste, direct

Note: In order to facilitate the implementation of the Soil Contamination Countermeasures Law, the government subsidized the pollution removal measures, designated a corporation that gives advice and carry out public-awareness activities, and set up funds. Source: Ministry of the Environment

Changes in the Total Volume of Domestic Waste and Waste Generated per Person per Day

incineration accounted for 77.4% and recycling accounted for 16.7% in FY 2000. The final volume disposed at landfill sites was 10.51 million tons, a decrease of 360,000 tons from the previous year. Packaging and containers represent 61.0% of domestic waste (volume ratio).

The total volume of industrial waste in Japan has also remained steady over the last several years. The volume in FY 2000 was approximately 406 million tons, a slight increase from the previous year. Approximately 45 million tons were discarded at final disposal sites, a decrease over the previous year in the percentage to the total amount of industrial waste generated. Nationally, an average of 3.9 years of capacity in final disposal sites for industrial waste remained as of FY 2000, presenting a serious situation. The outlook is especially grim for the greater Tokyo area with only 1.2 years of capacity remaining.

To solve these problems, the goals for waste disposal and recycling are prioritized as follows according to the Basic
If you have any opinions and comments regarding this booklet, please contact the following:

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## Environmental Strategy Division Environmental Policy Bureau Ministry of the Environment

1-2-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8975, Japan

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Abridged and Illustrated for Easy Understanding

Annual Report on the Environment in Japan 2003

Published by: Ministry of the Environment

Translated by: Ministry of the Environment

This booklet uses recycled paper and received approval of eco-mark. The printed contents and the eco-mark are not related. This booklet is produced with consideration for recycling. Please submit the booklet for recycling after it is no longer required.

Published in January 2004

• This booklet uses recycled paper and received approval for the use of eco-mark.

The contents of this booklet and the eco-mark have no relation whatsoever.

• This booklet is produced with consideration for recycling.

When no longer required, please submit this booklet for recycling.

• This booklet is printed using soybean oil ink.