July 2005
Cover Story 1
How to survive in the waves of the chemical substance regulations; a heavy challenge confronts Japan as the manufacturing power
Trend: How to interpret the crop of regulations
VOC: Existing measures face a large turning point
RoHS: Compliance feasibility is yet to be known
Sick houses: Certification system brings a drastic change for the building material industry
Risk management: The keys to correctly foresee and successfully overcome the risks
Technology
First step in technology <New>
[Plant-based plastics] New materials that do not increase CO2 in the air
Products
[Kitchen waste composters for home use] Kitchen waste can be reduced to 1/7 or more in volume
New Energy
[Geothermal energy heating/cooling system] Unexploited underground energy can be effectively used for air-conditioning systems
Environmental cleansing
[Nitrogen removing system] Waste water can be quickly purified with the aid of electricity
Honor students in recycling
[Office paper] Erasable toner allows repeated use of office paper as often as 10 times
Learn about environmental laws
Easy-to-understand Environmental Law
[Revised Air Pollution Control Law] Applicable facilities, emission standards and other specifics of regulations are about to be settled
Environmental Laws Q & A
How to choose the most energy-saving model of flat-screen TVs
This Months Environmental Law
The Diet approves the Plan to Achieve the Targets of the Kyoto Protocol in preparation to fulfill the commitment
Kenichi Mizunos Report from the Diet
Keep a close eye on the species designation for the Invasive Alien Species Act from the seat in the Environment Division of the Liberal Democratic Party
Trend and News
Recycling laws
Life Corporation and other companies refuse to pay their share of recycling costs, shaking the foundation of the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law
Low-pollution vehicles
A Nissan executive appeals the promising future of gasoline cars, arguing for the feasibility of 40% improvement in fuel efficiency
Nature conservation
The High Court reverses the previous decision in the Isahaya Bay reclamation case, failing to apply the environmental rights
Domestic trading of emission right
A total of 34 companies participate in CO2 reduction race with the goal of 21% reduction, using the subsidy as leverage
Low-pollution vehicles
Panasonic launches catalytic agent development for diesel emission gas
Preventing global warming
Two hundred countries exchange their views for the measures in the post-Kyoto period
Green procurement
Supporting establishment of an organization in Asia to introduce successful examples of Japan
Environmental management
Toyota lays down a new environmental plan, aiming to become the company with lowest environmental impact in the world
CSR Frontline
Development of the easy-to-use international standards depends on accumulated experience from actual examples
U.N. Millennium Development Goals serve as a new framework for corporate reports
Kyoto Mechanism
Q and A to understand the Kyoto Mechanism
Can Russia sell their 6 billion tons of hot air as emission right?
ECO Interview
Kohei Urano, Professor, Yokohama National University: Regulations alone cannot solve the problems of chemical substance management
ECO Column
Kankan Gakugaku (Active Argument over Environmental Issues)
Shinichiro Sakurai, auto engineer
Takuro Morinagas ECO Lifestyle
Possibilities of non-profitable banks that invest in environment-related projects
Fieldwork Japan
Street environment that deters illegal parking
Report
Achieve the Top Sales with Eco Products!
Ikeuchi Towel Co., Ltd. / Wind-woven towels
Inside-Out
[Is recycling all good? – part 3] Is the eco cement truly a savior?
WorldWatch Institute
Does the control of agriculture by seed business companies mean the beginning of another era of feudalism?
ECO Seminar
How to make the best use of ISO
[Fujitsu Limited - part 1] Green process activities are introduced, showing achievement in reduction of chemical substances in factories
New Environmental Study
[Sustainable forest management] Learn the knowledge in forest restoration from the FSC forest certificate holders
Quick Guide to Environmental Key Words
Environmental reports
Practical examples of environmental communication <New>
Ito-Yokado Co., Ltd.
World Trend
From EU
The trading market is irritated by the uncertain picture after 2012, while sensitive relationship persists between emission right and post-Kyoto Protocol policies
From UK
Reduction targets and emission right trading should be forcefully defended without any compromise with the Bush administration.
From USA
UK tries to achieve the goal of 60% CO2 reduction by tearing down inefficient houses
From Germany
Strategies for a sustainable society by local governments include infrastructure improvement and resource-saving management
From China
Private corporations are emerging as ESCO businesses, while preparation of business environment, including guarantee on debt, advances
Nikkei BP EcoManagement Forum
[ECO graph]
[Eco magazine forum] Companies listen to the citizens and change their policies
