A perspective of “no” rather than “zero” waste

HOTEL WHY, a zero-waste action hotel, opened in May 2020 in Kamikatsu-cho, Tokushima Prefecture, which has the smallest population of any town in Shikoku at 1,511 (as of January 1, 2021). Zero-waste” means “zero waste. In 2003, Kamikatsu Town became the first municipality in Japan to declare “Zero-Waste,” aiming for a society that produces no waste, rather than zero waste, which is defined by how waste is disposed of. The town does not collect garbage by the municipality, and each household composts food scraps, etc., and each resident brings bottles, cans, and other “resource garbage” to the “garbage station” to sort into more than 45 types for recycling.

HOTEL WHY is located in a corner of the Kamikatsu Zero-Waste Center, which has a garbage station and a research and educational function for consumers, sellers, and producers, and is a lodging facility where visitors can actually experience the 45 types of sorting. The unique architecture of the building is shaped like a “? The “HOTEL WHY” is located at the “.” part of the unique architecture, which is shaped like a “?

The “HOTEL WHY” is located at the “.” of the unique building, which is shaped like a “? But Kamikatsu Town, which is also the source of water, decided that this was not the way to go, so this waste treatment facility was built,” says Momona Otsuka, owner of HOTEL WHY.

The facility is made of scrap wood, window frames, and other materials brought in by the townspeople. Kamikatsu Town does not have a garbage collection system, but by having everyone bring their garbage and unused items here, it has become a place for communication and learning,” says Otsuka.

About 80% of the garbage brought here is recycled. Generally, about 20% is recycled, which is a fairly high figure, but the town of Kamikatsu is making further efforts to achieve the goal of zero-waste.

Why? from daily life

The design was led by the hot young architect Takushi Nakamura. Why are you buying it?” The interior has a calm atmosphere in contrast to the unique exterior, which is based on the theme of questioning consumers and producers about whether to make, sell, or dispose of products. The room windows overlook the rich nature of Kamikatsu-cho and are very cozy.

At the hotel check-in, guests are given an explanation of Kamikatsu Town’s zero-waste efforts, and drinks and soap are weighed out for their needs during their stay. At check-out, guests actually sort garbage into 45 categories, giving them a chance to experience life in Kamikatsu Town and review their daily garbage The hotel also provides an opportunity for guests to experience the lifestyle of Kamikatsu Town and review their daily garbage by actually sorting garbage into 45 categories when checking out.

We hope that by creating this hotel, we can provide an opportunity for people outside of Kamikatsu to learn more about zero-waste and the SDGs,” said Otsuka.

The hotel does not have a starred restaurant, nor does it have a large outdoor bath. The lack of disposable amenities is also not surprising considering the hotel’s concept. After dusk, there are almost no cars on the road, and even the nearest convenience store is a 30-minute drive away. However, this inconvenience is refreshing and pleasant. This is by no means a luxurious hotel. It is just a place with beautiful nature and starry sky in a small town in the mountains, but I felt as if I could see the shape of a hotel for a new era.

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