Since 2008, Earth Celebration has been implementing the “EC+O Project” to work on reducing waste produced from the event and other sustainable initiatives. The purpose of this project is to promote environmentally friendly initiatives in recent years, such as global environmental change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We will be asking for cooperation of our guests and requesting the following to help us move one step closer to our goal: (1) Please bring your own chopsticks/ cutlery In order to minimize waste, please bring your own chopsticks and cutlery (spoons, forks, etc.) when eating or purchasing foods at the event venues (Harbour Market and Fringe Market). For those who do not have their own chopsticks and cutlery, there will be cutlery stands* set up at the event venues for those who don't have cutlery and wish to purchase. Proceeds from the sales will be used for environmental maintenance. There will also be a washing area set up at Harbour Market and the Fringe Market for guests can wash their own cutlery and reuse them. We will be asking all food and beverage vendors to refrain from providing plastic utensils and plastic bags. (*)Types of cutlery to be sold at the cutlery stand (TBC): chopsticks, spoons, forks

For this year’s lineup, we chose ethical products that feature feel-good nature-themed designs that comforting nature-themes designs. They are colorful, practical items that you can enjoy during EC and for years to come. This year again, Atsuko Ogawa, a Sado-based illustrator has created the beautiful illustrations featuring soul-comforting and nature-themed designs EC Merchandise is available from Kodo Online Store (Japanese) and at the EC shop during Earth Celebration.

This T-shirt is made of cotton grown on farmland where no pesticides or chemical fertilizers have been used for more than three years. Soft fabric and tailored natural shades, the T-shirts are available in four soft pastel colors.

Made from bamboo fiber, this cutlery set comes with a case, is compact and easy to pop in your bag and carry around. The set will consist of a pair of chopsticks, a spoon and fork. It will definitely come in handy at the food venues at Earth Celebration.

The material is a combination of jute (a type of hemp), which is highly breathable and absorbent, and 10 oz. canvas fabric. The bag can be slung over the shoulder and can hold plenty of souvenirs and other items with its large capacity.

The tenugui (hand towel) is a Japanese daily necessity that has been used for many years in the past. It is functional and can be used in a variety of ways - decorating, laying out, wiping, wrapping, and covering, and at Earth Celebration, some people use them as shades to protect themselves from the sun. A perfect item to take when traveling!