Once I moved into my apartment, I discovered how big the lifestyle change would be. While I recycled soda cans, bottles, and old newspapers in America, I was not prepared for the amount of garbage-separating, or the fines for doing it improperly, that was required of me here. I have nine garbage bins! I have one for burnable garbage that includes kitchen scrapes, soiled paper or clothes, and other burnable items. I have one for glass and one for cans. I have two for plastics; one for PET bottles and another for all other plastic recycle items. Additionally, I have a separate bag for all the caps of the plastic bottles. I have one for cardboard/paper and one for old clothing. Finally, I have one for non-burnable, non-recyclable items such as batteries or light bulbs.

Because this is an island nation with limited resources, recycling saves millions of dollars a year in import costs for materials. Not only that, but recycling reduces the need for landfills, which take up much-coveted space. Although separating the garbage was an annoyance at first, it quickly became the norm for me. Once I return to America, I will find it frustrating if I am not required to follow the same practices.

The key element to the Kyoto Protocol, agreed upon here in Japan, is an agreement to cut down on the harmful carbon emissions that cause global warming. One of the causes of emissions is automobiles. Japan has done an extraordinary job cutting emissions by improving their public transportation system, setting strict limits on auto emissions, and being the leader in hybrid vehicles.

Japan is known around the world for their efficient train/subway system. I own a car, but only for convenience purposes. I rarely use it, because I can get almost anywhere in the country by taking the trains. The fare is affordable, but most companies and colleges pay a train fare allowance to their employees/students to offset the costs. By having such a good system in place, Japan has reduced the need for automobile use, thus reducing their emissions output.

Japan has done a wonderful job in creating “green space.” I was amazed at how many parks there are to enjoy here. Much of Tokyo, as in other cities in Japan, is devoted to parks and recreational areas. “Green space” within cities has been found to reduce the air temperature 5 to 10 degrees, reducing the power requirements of the city. The trees and vegetation remove the harmful pollutants that lead to health problems caused by smog. The parks also provide recreation and entertainment opportunities for its citizens, increasing physical and mental health.

Acquiring goods while living in Japan was an interesting experience to me. Recycle shops here in Japan are very popular. The shops specialize in purchasing and selling used goods. I am not sure people have the environment in mind when they are buying and selling these goods, but I certainly do. By purchasing used goods, I save the environment from the pollutants that go into creating new items.

Technology has a huge impact on living “green” here in Japan, but the renewable energy sector is behind compared to other technology sectors. Japan ranks 13th in the world in megawatts produced from wind power, 8th in megawatts produced from hydro power, and 6th in megawatts produced from geothermal power. As an island nation, these sources of energy should be taken advantage of more. Being such a leader in technology, it is surprising to me that Japan is not a leader in renewable energy and renewable energy products as well.

Most countries in the world are trying become more environmentally-conscious while also looking out for their best interests, and Japan is no different. Although they have good systems in place for public transportation, garbage disposal, and recycling, they still have a ways to go before they are the model for how the rest of the world can live “green.” Only by working with other countries that have better systems in place, and sharing their knowledge with other countries who don’t, can Japan truly become a leader for the environmental cause.

Todd Bynon currently serves in the U.S. military and is based in Japan.