Islands Weaving Environmental Stories: The Trajectory of Remote Island Environmental Business from 2002 to 2025

Islands Weaving Environmental Stories: The Trajectory of Remote Island Environmental Business from 2002 to 2025

The Situation in 2002
In 2002, Japan's remote island regions were beginning to experiment with sustainable resource recycling. On Yakushima Island, approximately 80% of electricity was generated by hydroelectric power generation, taking advantage of the island's steep terrain and abundant water resources. In Yaku Town, composting of manure, feces, and raw garbage was promoted and used for forest improvement and agriculture. On Okinoerabu Island, organic waste, including food waste, is composted and supplied to about 25% of the total cropped area of farmland. On Amauri Island in Haboro Town, Hokkaido, composting of food waste successfully reduced incinerated waste by 85%. On Hachijojima, the introduction of a deposit system increased the collection rate of beverage containers and promoted recycling.

Progress in the 2020s
Over the course of the past 20 years, these efforts have evolved further, with technological innovations and the establishment of sustainable systems.

Yakushima - A Recycling Society Nurtured by Water and Forests
In Yakushima, hydroelectric power generation has become even more firmly established as the main energy source, supporting approximately 80% of the electricity supply. In addition, the town of Yakushima has introduced a district heating system using wood pellets in search of sustainable use of forest resources. This has promoted the reduction of fossil fuel use and CO₂ emissions, and has advanced the realization of a recycling-oriented society with a low environmental impact.

Okinoerabu Island - Recycling of Life Back to the Soil
On Okinoerabu Island, a composting project is in full swing. Okinoerabu Bio Co., Ltd. processes about 1,500 tons of organic waste per year and produces high-quality compost. This compost was supplied to farmers both on and off the island, contributing to soil improvement and increased agricultural sustainability. In the past, transportation costs were a problem, but the cyclical use of the island's resources has increased the independence of local agriculture.

Amauri Island - New Value Created by Raw Garbage
On Amauri Island, the Amauri Eco Recycle Center processes about 500 tons of food waste annually and uses it as compost. This has led to a significant reduction in incinerated garbage and soil improvement on farmland at the same time. Furthermore, in cooperation with the local fishing industry, cleanup activities around the fishing port and proper disposal of waste are now being promoted.

Hachijo-Jima - Deposit System Links Economy and Environment
On Hachijojima, the deposit system has evolved into a new local currency, the Hachijo Coin. By the 2020s, the recycling rate had increased dramatically, and the island's resource recycling system was solidified.

Concluding Remarks - The Future of Environmental Business Interwoven with the Islands
Between 2002 and 2025, Japan's remote island regions saw a dramatic development of sustainable environmental businesses. Hydroelectric power generation and biomass on Yakushima, composting on Okinoerabu Island, food waste recycling on Tenuri Island, and the deposit system and local currency on Hachijo-jima - these efforts have become model cases of a recycling-oriented society, while taking advantage of the characteristics of each island. It is hoped that these experiences will lead to further technological innovation and improved sustainability of local communities in the future.

Related Information

Yakushima Island
- Yakushima Environmental and Cultural Foundation (Environmental conservation and sustainable development)
- Yakushima Town official website (environmental policy and local recycling efforts)

Okinoerabu Island
- Wadomari Town official website (environmental policy and recycling activities)
- China Town official website (Sustainable agriculture and waste management)

Amauri Island
- Haboro Town official website (recycling business and waste management)
- Amauri Island Tourism Association (Harmonization of Environmental Conservation and Tourism)

Hachijojima Island
- Hachijo Town Official Website (Deposit System and Recycling Policy)
- Hachijo Island Tourism Association (Promoting Environmental Awareness and Ecotourism)