Recycling ideal found in Tokyo Starbucks
By David Rittenhouse 
TOKYO–One recent morning while I was hurrying into Shinjuku station here to catch the metro, I stopped at Starbucks for a small coffee and one of those really tasty sweet brown rice scones that they have in Japan.
When I finished my breakfast on-the-go I took my plastic tray with ceramic plate and paper cup to the return point/trash bin and had a sudden moment of conscientiousness. There were at least five different holes into which to separate and place the garbage–paper cups, plastic cups, tops, ice-liquids, other combustible and non-combustible items. (The Japanese government requires the recycling measures.)
This got me thinking. The level of separation of trash that is customary for the consumer in Tokyo is much higher than what I’m used to at home in New York City. In fact, there’s just one hole for all the trash generated at the Starbucks in the building where I work in mid-town Manhattan. And people throw everything in without thinking–a fist full of barely-used napkins, stir sticks, half-used sugar packets, and some of their own coffee (to make room for milk or cream).
I think the difference between the two approaches is more than just the number of holes.
Although it may not be as important as developing renewable energy or Antarctica melting away, separation of garbage by the consumer is essential because of the mindset it creates. And I think it that has a halo effect on the other choices we make.
(David Rittenhouse is an advertising executive based in New York City.)
Photo credit: Carolina Jimenez-Garcia