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Environmental Activities

Hitachi

Part 3 Starting with what we can do - Discussion

[Image] Discussion by 4 members

After the factory tour in the Kyoto Works of Hitachi Maxell, did the four find any hints for conserving the Kyoto environment? We were very interested in learning their impressions. As a summary, a free discussion was held by the four, who spoke about their present and future environmental conservation attempts.

Recycling produces new values.

InterviewerThis may have been the first factory tour from an environmental conservation point of view for you. How was it?

[Image] Talking to the visitors[Image] Talking to the visitors

KanekoI felt the importance of knowing the environment in which daily products like batteries and magnetic tapes are manufactured. This may lead to a large stream of environmental conservation.

NakamuraI was surprised and moved to know that those of you in the production site work so hard to improve energy efficiency, stop global warming, and make contributions to local communities. I have to work hard as you do.

HiranoThis is my second factory tour, and I felt more familiar with Hitachi Maxell as a company in the community.

TominagaI was impressed by what you said -- 'it is our obligation to return our products to nature'. I can tell that Hitachi Maxell thinks of this as the most important thing in production.

[Image] Talking to the visitors[Image] Talking to the visitors

[Image] Deodorizing charcoal and paper-tube charcoal made from scraps of magnetic tapes and disks.
Deodorizing charcoal and paper-tube charcoal made from scraps of magnetic tapes and disks.

KanekoThe idea of deodorizing and producing paper tube charcoal from the scraps of magnetic tapes and disks is part of this recycling policy, isn't it?

NakamuraRecycling of the scrapped materials that are no longer useful can produce something new and of value. I think that's just wonderful.

Do what we can do one step at a time.

InterviewerWhat are you personally trying to do for mitigating environmental problems?

HiranoEco-friendly activities are good teaching materials that cover everything from the entire world to our daily lives. I will learn more about the environment together with the children from both points of view.

[Image] Talking to the visitors

KanekoI decline plastic shopping bags at the school canteen these days, saying 'no need, I have my own bag'. Environmentally conscious thinking seems to have grown over the last few years.

TominagaThese are really trivial things, but I try to use my bicycle, even though I love driving, and turn off my lights whenever possible.

GuideOh, no. I don't think that's trivial. You do what you can do. What do you think, Miss Nakamura?

[Image] Talking to the visitors

[Image] Talking to the visitors

NakamuraI think the point is how to raise the awareness of individuals to environmental conservation in our daily lives. I always carry my own shopping bag, and avoid buying unnecessary things as much as possible, though that's also to save living costs.

AllDoing what we can do for the environment in our daily lives can result in raising our awareness for the environment. It is important to continue to do so, not doing it as a one-off event.

We won't contaminate the air in Kyoto now and in the future.

InterviewerTell us about what you found and your opinion and requests.

HiranoI have made many requests to you for my students, and am glad if you continue your contributions to local communities through environmental lessons and the Hana Ippai Undo (Flowers Galore Campaign).

GuideCertainly. We used to think of our environmental activities as 'measures' but now is the time to start to see them as 'ideas to be promoted'. Co-operation with the local people is something we wish to strive to do ahead of time.

KanekoI want to be an environmentally-conscious architectural designer. The construction industry seems to have neglected to consider waste and durability. In this opportunity to tour the factory, I became convinced that we have to change the present situation.

[Image] Talking to the visitors

[Image] Talking to the visitors

NakamuraOyamazaki is a beautiful town where factories and a rich natural environment are well balanced. I hope that I can make proposals from my unique viewpoint as a student that townspeople cannot think of. For example, what about eco-tours for walking through the natural environment?

TominagaIt would be nice if you developed your eco- friendly technologies, like the eco-conscious co-generation system implemented in the factory, for home use.

GuideI see. That's a good idea - we will discuss the possibility. Thank you very much for spending such a long time with us.

[Image] 4 members gather

Related link

Kyoto-based eco-activities contribute to improvements in the global environment!
  1. Part 1 Let's take action in Kyoto to stop global warming!
  2. Part 2 Eco-activities in Kyoto with Communities and Children
  3. Part 3 Starting with what we can do - Discussions