Kyoto City to Exchange "My Bottle" and Used Clothing for Eco-money

Kyoto City is implementing a project to introduce a local currency called "Kyoto Eco-Money" from August 1 to November 30, 2012, with the aim of promoting a lifestyle shift to reduce waste and make better use of resources.

When people use their own cups to buy drinks at participating retailers such as coffee shops, they will be awarded one point, worth 50 yen (about US 63 cents). In addition, during a given period in October, when people bring their reusable clothes to a participating clothing retailer, they will be awarded one point per kilogram.

Ten points can be exchanged for local vegetables of the season or a prepaid pass for the Kyoto Municipal Subway and City Bus, worth 500 yen.
Collected clothing will be donated to areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake or developing countries, or will be used for production of bio ethanol or other industrial fuels through recycling technologies.

Related JFS article:
Kyoto City to Experiment with Eco-Money Points for Eco-Activities