On Japan’s Construction of a Recycling-oriented Society on the Basis of Environmental Education

In order to realize the harmonious construction of economy and environment, Japan enacted the “Basic Law for the Establishment of a Recycling-oriented Society” in the year 2000, setting the construction of a recycling-oriented society that affords sustainable development as the general goal of development. Environmental education plays an important role in the enhancement of Japanese people’s environment awareness as well as in the construction of a recycling-oriented society. By reinforcing environmental education and promoting environmental protection publicity in schools, businesses and the society as a whole, much progress has been made so far toward the goal of constructing a recycling-oriented society.