Vision

First Steps Toward a Sustainable Society from Kyoto University

We cannot face the looming environmental problems alone. That is why we decided to start a movement in Kyoto, a city of students. First, we installed 300 bamboo chopsticks in the Kyoto University North Cafeteria. Our goal is to raise the young generation's awareness of environmental issues and to improve the management of bamboo forests in Kyoto.

Problem / Environmental problems are just around the corner.

In 2023, Kyoto City experienced an overwhelmingly hot summer, with a record 43 days with temperatures of 35°C or higher. Needless to say, global warming is having an impact. In India, more than 100 people have died in heat waves as of June, and heat is beginning to directly claim human lives.

We are also concerned about "microplastics," plastic particles smaller than 5 mm. If you are interested in environmental issues, you may have heard of their negative effects on sea birds and other marine life. In fact, microplastics have been pointed out to have an impact on humans as well. Microplastics are floating in the air and are taken into the human body through breathing. Some reports say that the amount of microplastics in the air is equivalent to that of a credit card per week.

In recent years, the erosion of the original forests by neglected bamboo groves has become a problem in Kyoto. In fact, bamboo forests have low biodiversity, and their erosion is taking away the habitat of plants, animals, and insects that were originally there. Bamboo, in particular, grows at a rapid pace, so measures need to be taken as soon as possible. However, the demand for bamboo products has decreased due to the spread of plastics, and bamboo farmers are currently unable to cover the cost of managing their vast bamboo groves. This project began with the idea that by introducing bamboo chopsticks to school cafeterias, the proceeds would be returned to bamboo forest management.

We strongly believe that environmental problems should not be taken as a personal matter. On the other hand, the scale of the problem is immeasurably large. It is impossible for the Forest Utilization Laboratory alone. That is why we want to cooperate with you. We want you to pay attention to environmental issues. That is why we started the Kyoto University Bamboo Chopsticks Project.

Project / What we can do

In order to address environmental issues and raise awareness, we, the Forest Utilization Laboratory, have decided to introduce bamboo chopsticks in the university cafeteria. We will start with Kyoto University's northern cafeteria. Our goal is to eventually install them in all universities in Kyoto.

Product / Commitment to Bamboo Products

The bamboo chopsticks are provided by Takano Bamboo Works, Ltd. in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto. All chopsticks are handmade by craftsmen and are of such high quality that it is hard to believe that they are school cafeteria chopsticks.