# 90,000 Tons of Chopsticks Japan Begins Recycling By Bianca | Published 2007-08-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/90000-tons-of-chopsticks-japan-begins-recycling References: [breitbart](http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8R4MBDO0&show_article=1&cat=0) So here's a sticky situation. 90,000 tonnes of wood is wasted every year in Japan, strictly from disposable chopsticks. Researchers estimate about 200 pairs of chopsticks per person living in Japan. A lot of Westerns might say, "Get with the times and use a fork," but the Japanese aren't going to sway from tradition and preference. However, they are looking at ways to reduce their global footprint when it comes to their food utensils. **Implications** - Ministry officials are claiming the farm industries hope to support local businesses and governments in their attempts to recycle disposable chopsticks as fuel or ethanol. The aim behind this project is to raise public awareness and promote the conservation of resources. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Disposable Utensil Recycling:** As the demand for disposable utensils increases, recycling methods need to be developed to reduce waste and conserve resources. - **Sustainable Food Industry:** The food industry must work towards sustainability by implementing environmentally friendly practices and reducing waste, including disposable utensils. - **Cultural Sustainability:** Finding ways to preserve cultural traditions while also promoting sustainability is a growing trend in today's society. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food Industry:** The food industry must develop sustainable practices for production and consumption, including the use and management of disposable utensils. - **Waste Management Industry:** The waste management industry must develop innovative methods to recycle and repurpose disposable utensils to reduce waste and promote resource conservation. - **Renewable Energy Industry:** The development of fuel and ethanol from recycled disposable utensils is a growing trend in the renewable energy industry that has disruptive innovation opportunities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sustainable Wooden Cutlery](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-wooden-cutlery.md) - [Culture-Honoring Spiralled Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rassen-chopstick.md) - [Edible Ice Cream Spoons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ministop-edible-spoon.md) - [Compostable Sauce Containers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-carp-packaging.md) - [Aesthetically Functional Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restless-chopsticks-tableware.md) - [Eco-Friendly QSR Coffee Lids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-hortons-2.md) - [All-in-One Eco Party Plates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knork-eco-party-plate.md) - [Recyclable Food Delivery Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-delivery-bowls.md) - [Taste-Adjusting Chopsticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tasteadjusting-chopsticks.md)