Plastic Free July NextGen Youth Fellow Kokoro Kawai’s plastic free initiatives in Japan
Youth Fellow Kokoro Drives Plastic Free Change in Japan
Kokoro, a passionate 2025 Plastic Free July Youth Fellow, is turning awareness into action at her high school and beyond. From pioneering plastic-free lunches to transforming school cafeterias – Kokoro shows how young leaders can make simple changes to inspire communities to rethink plastic use. Her story is a powerful example of how working together can make a real difference in the fight against plastic pollution.
Kokoro’s journey began at her high school, where she joined a student group promoting reusable bottles and reducing single-use plastics. On July 1, they met over plastic-free snacks purchased from a local bulk shop.
To get others involved, Kokoro and the group organised a photo-sharing event, encouraging people to showcase their reusable bottles and plastic-free lunches, such as homemade bento boxes. To expand their reach, the event included an English entry form, and photos were shared on their Instagram account @carrymybottleproject.
Kokoro also found creative ways to make learning engaging. She designed an original board game that teaches players about plastic pollution. 14 university students and company employees played the game and learnt about the impact of everyday choices – like using reusable containers or picking up litter The game inspired meaningful discussions about reducing plastic waste in daily life. The event ended with sushi served in reusable containers, reinforcing sustainable habits in a fun, social setting.
At school, Kokoro tackled single-use plastics in the cafeteria.
While reusable containers appeared ideal environmentally, practical challenges, such as students needing to return containers during limited lunch periods and increased washing demands on staff, meant an alternative option was needed.
Working with the cafeteria manager, they introduced containers made from bagasse, a sustainable material derived from sugarcane waste. Kokoro’s team educated students on why the change was important, helping build support for this practical, eco-friendly alternative.
To further raise awareness, Kokoro led a Plastic Free Day, encouraging the entire school community to avoid single-use plastics. As a result, 71% of students and staff became more aware of plastic pollution, and 93% now believe reducing single-use plastics is important. 91% said they want to continue taking action beyond July, demonstrating the event’s lasting impact.
Beyond these initiatives, Kokoro participates in TEC, a school volunteer organisation that successfully installed nine water dispensers to reduce plastic bottle consumption, replacing 41,000 plastic bottles bought annually by the school.
Kokoro’s inspiring work shows what’s possible when individuals drive meaningful change through simple, practical steps. Her efforts have helped reduce thousands of plastic disposables at her school and sparked awareness and commitment among hundreds of students.
If you want to follow Kokoro’s lead, start small. Choose reusable or plant-based alternatives, organise awareness events, and involve your community. Every action counts in the global movement to reduce plastic pollution. Together, we can create a plastic-free future, one choice at a time.
“I’m really grateful that this fellowship gave us the chance to make this project happen.” Kokoro Kawai, Plastic Free July NextGen Youth Fellow
