The Problem of Waribashi
One example of how we in Japan waste the world's forests is through the use of waribashi. In 1987, 20,500,000,000 pairs of waribashi were thrown away. That's over 56 million pairs and their paper wrappers every day or about 915 trees! This would have been enough wood to build up to 20,000 family-sized homes. Waribashi are not made from leftover wood as there is no such thing. For example, paper products, which could be recycled, might have been made from that wood. About one-third of the wood used to make waribashi comes from tropical rainforests. Before World War II, waribashi were used primarily for special ceremonies, such as weddings. In 1987, waribashi use was 683 times higher than it was in 1939. The solution is simple: stop using waribashias it will reduce garbage and help save trees!