Reflections on My Recent Trip to Japan

Something I wanted to share... a little personal reflection

I recently went back to Japan, spending time with family and friends, travelling, and enjoying amazing food every day. I came back to NZ with a very full stomach and heart.

Japan is a place I’m deeply proud of. I love its culture, history, beautiful arts and architecture, and the warmth and kindness of the people that grow from it.

But during this trip, there was one thing I couldn’t ignore. The amount of packaging and unnecessary waste.

For hygiene, convenience, or promotional purposes, a single product is often wrapped multiple times. Then after purchase, it’s placed into another bag to make it easier to carry. If it’s raining, sometimes an extra plastic cover goes on top of that.

I used to love receiving hot towels at restaurants, but now many places have replaced them with individually wrapped disposable wet wipes. At hotels, complimentary drinks, snacks, and even refill cups are often disposable products too.

The hospitality is incredible, and I truly can’t complain about the service itself. But every time I accepted those things, I also felt a quiet sense of guilt about the amount of waste being created. What worries me most is how quickly we become used to it.

I love Japan deeply, but it was difficult to face this side of it. Honestly, I felt strangely relieved when I returned to Aotearoa New zealand.

I’m not trying to deny the importance of hygiene or convenience, but sometimes it feels like the balance may be tipping too far in one direction.

Does anyone else feel the same way?

What I can do as one person is small, but that’s exactly why I want to keep sharing small alternatives through FabWrap, little by little ♻️🍀💓🌏 u