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Japan for Sustainability reports that the "Mottainai Delivery" programme is an initiative in Shimane Prefecture to transport "mottainai" goods (things which are deemed still useful but discarded) to places where they can be used. This initiative has been well-received in the project area since it started in June 2006. The …

In March, the Japanese Cabinet approved a bill containing proposed amendments to the Food Recycling Law. Japan for Sustainability reports that the bill aims to promote food recycling in the retail and restaurant industries by strengthening administrative guidance and supervision, and also by streamlining food recycling systems. In these industries, …

An interesting profile from Deutsche Welle agency. Separating packaging from trash is no easy matter. Some people say no one likes to separate their trash as much as Germans — even troops stationed in Afghanistan are reported to separate their rubbish. It‘‘s a characteristic that pleases trash management companies. Separating …

Like France, Italy has passed a law providing for non-biodegradable plastic bags to be banned from 2010. Europen reports that a draft Decree to implement this measure is expected to be notified to the European Commission before the summer. The 2007 Finance Act also includes provision for a tax on …

Individuals should not be held responsible for environmentally friendly initiatives in the workplace, research has revealed. 70% of office workers polled … Some 70% of office workers polled by the ‘‘Green Initiatives‘‘ survey say the responsibility lies with company directors, facilities or office managers. Recycling & Waste World reports that …

The Belgian government‘‘s plans to impose a tax on non-refillable containers have twice been ruled discriminatory and annulled by the Belgian Court of Arbitration. Europen reports that the Belgian government‘‘s response has been to introduce a revised tax, now also applicable on refillable beverage containers, which took effect on 10 …