Going abroad is a big challenge— between adjusting to new environments, cultures, and social circles, it’s easy for even the most environmentally-friendly students to deprioritize their sustainable habits. That’s why I have made a Guide to Sustainable Living at Temple Japan!
First, I will explain why sustainability is as important abroad as it is at home. First, sustainability saves money. Many think that sustainability entails purchasing expensive bamboo cutlery and paying a premium on products with a green leaf on the label. However, the most sustainable practice is to buy less! The less we buy, the less is produced and thrown away. Secondly, some say that lifestyle changes don’t have a significant impact on the environment. Admittedly, big industries and governments have a greater impact than the individual, but making sustainable choices inspires awareness. It also creates stronger connections with your local community, cultural practices, and healthy living choices. Learning how the Japanese recycling system works is not only about respecting the planet by recycling, but respecting Japan’s culture.
To pack or not to pack?
Pack practically and buy less when you arrive. Reach out to your accommodation or hosts about what they will provide you. If they have sheets but not a towel, consider bringing one from home. Yes, you could buy a towel upon arrival, but why create demand when you own one already? Plus, if there wasn’t space for it on your way, there won’t be space to bring it home, which means it becomes waste. Avoid buying brand-new items and treating them as disposable when the semester is over.
However, that doesn’t mean pack everything. Leave Japanese products at home. You might think to pack your chopsticks or matcha, but actually, those are things you will want to buy upon arrival. Being sustainable doesn’t mean never buying new stuff, but why not save your money and the planet’s resources for items with geographic significance? Shopping when you travel is a valuable way to take home memories and support the economy of your host nation.
Stocking your dorm
Don’t purchase a year’s worth of soap and detergents at the konbini. Instead, consider stopping by Biople, a sustainable general store with a wide variety of sustainable and refillable personal products and home goods. Bring a container, like an empty plastic drink bottle or food container and fill however much you need. Don’t be afraid to underfill because you can always return for more at no higher cost-per-weight than you would have paid at the start.
Don’t overinvest either. When moving into a long-term apartment, you often make big purchases to customize your space. For a short stay, personalizing your space is still important, but be conscious of what’s actually necessary. For example, instead of buying a hamper, use a shopping bag or empty suitcase.
Shopping in Tokyo
Tokyo’s renowned fashion culture and signature street style are super exciting, but not all of Tokyo’s shops are equal. Like the US, fast fashion is a big problem in Japan. Trends come and go before you can break those new clothes in, and cheaply-made clothing wears out faster than seasons change. Check out popular thrifting areas like Shimokitazawa or Koenji and TUJ’s own neighborhood, Setagaya, for shops at lower price points, like Gaslamp Square.
Best veggie bites
Tokyo’s food scene is unparalleled. From the quality of the produce to the creativity of Japanese cuisine, there’s little to critique. That said, Japan was admittedly one of the more challenging places to find reliable, filling, vegetarian meals. However, that’s not to say it’s impossible.
Low budget: Kombini Tofu Bar ¥135 (<$1)
Reminiscent of a cheese stick, Tofu Bars are a tasty, quick, and filling snack to recharge with. They are available at every corner store and come in a handful of flavors.
Cafe: Guruatsu ¥1000-2000 (~$6-12)
Guruatsu Cafe offers a vast array of vegan pastries, plant milk lattes, and some lunch options. It’s ideal for a coffee break during a stroll through the park or to unwind after exploring Ueno’s numerous museums and galleries.
Sit-down: Alaska Zwei (¥2000+) (~$15)
This restaurant puts a vegetarian twist on traditional Japanese classics, like veggie curry and tofu katsu, as well as international fusion food like their taco rice bowl and seasonal squash soup.
Alaska Zwei: 2 Chome-5-7 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043, Japan
The package waste problem
When you arrive, there will be so many snacks to try, but it will soon become apparent that Japan has a package waste problem. In many ways, this aligns with great Japanese values, like convenience and hygiene. However, it comes at a cost. Nearly all food products are wrapped in plastic, and very little of that plastic is recyclable. Opting for produce stands over grocery stores and rejecting disposable hand towels can help reduce personal waste.
One form of waste that you will encounter regularly is disposable chopsticks. You can buy a reusable pair for cheap or an artisan-crafted pair at Tsukiji Market. One of my favorite memories was going to Kawagoe— a town near Tokyo— with my new friends to make our own chopsticks! It was a really fun and easy activity guided by professional chopstick artisans at a shop called Wood Works Kawagoe. All tools were provided and the cost of the workshop ranged from $10-30 depending on the type of wood you chose.
While studying in Japan, it’s important to embrace sustainability without letting it overshadow the fun of being abroad. Experience all Japan has to offer while respecting the environment there as you would in your home country. Living aligned with our values can be challenging, but these tips aim to support and inspire you to bring sustainability with you wherever you go. I created the map below to help you situate some of these great resources in Tokyo–enjoy!
Nina Penny was a Fall 2023 Global Green Grant recipient. Learn more about Temple Education Abroad’s sustainability efforts and the Global Green Grant.
