Eco-friendly Events Network Launched in Yokohama

A network of people and organizations for making events in the Japanese city of Yokohama more ecology oriented was established on January 28, 2008, by three inaugural members: the Yokohama Naka Hojinkai, a corporation association of Naka Ward-based businesses in Yokohama; the steering committees of the Yokohama Citizens Empowerment Center; and the Y150 Citizen Participation Platform Promotion Committee.

After the fireworks event at the Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Festival in July 2005, some of the participants were shocked to see rubbish everywhere in Yamashita Park and they worked to clean up the mess. Thus was born the volunteer campaign "Let's Beautify Our City by Ourselves." The number of volunteers has increased gradually, and at the Minato fireworks festivals in July 2007 as many as 1,000 participated.

Since the Port of Yokohama will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2009, a variety of events are being planned. On this occasion, the network, under the initiative of the inaugural members, has announced the slogan "Less Waste, No Litter. That's Yokohama Culture." As a first step, the network will compile an eco-manual for events, and take action to make the Yokohama Port Opening Festival more environment friendly.


Posted: 2008/07/11 05:19:17 PM