Due to increases in consumerism and the proliferation of specific types of materials in consumer products and the effects this has had on the environment, many nations across the world have come to recognize that steps need to be taken to reduce and recycle waste more efficiently. Although numerous measures have been taken by governments and corporations across the globe, both voluntary and mandatory, major challenges still exist regarding waste management. This current study gives a brief overview of the issue of plastic waste in Japan. It then discusses the results of a survey on plastic waste and an experiment to illustrate how much waste can be reduced if the government made a regulation to curb excessive food packaging waste. The study concludes with suggestions as to measures that can be taken to address the problem without adding additional burden on individuals, the government, or corporations.

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