Although reminiscent of those festivals from yesteryear, there are lots of differences. I noticed them last year but this year really had me thinking about how much more eco-friendly festivals could be.
I love how LOHAS encourages people to bring their own dishes. We put some plates and containers in our bags before we left as well as some silverware. It was so simple to just bring them with. Then nothing went into the trash after indulging in taco rice, shaved ice, and other goodies at the festival. LOHAS goes beyond just encouraging people to bring their dishes, they also provide washing stations with sinks, running water, eco-friendly soap, and sponges. This way people weren't dragging home dirty dishes. Something so simple, yet so helpful.
Another thing I appreciate so much is the designated picnic areas. It is commonplace in Japan for people to bring small picnic blankets, but having so many specific places for people to enjoy their food is grand. In the US, there were often tables set up, but it wasn't the same as a lovely little picnic amongst the festivities.
Once again they offered free cold tea to anyone with a reusable water bottle. I doubt it really affected beverage sales, because most of those go to fancy drinks and alcohol. Speaking of purchasing beverages, in addition to dishes, most people brought their own cups. For those that didn't they purchased one for ¥100 ($.93) that they could use again and again.
One thing that I participated in this year that I didn't last year, was the clothing exchange. I brought 11 items of clothing that my son outgrew. After writing size tags for each one and handing them over, I was given 11 tickets. Each ticket allowed me to choose an item of clothing that was donated by someone else. I could turn in the clothes at any time and use the tickets at any point during the festival. What a novel idea. No money exchanged and yet people get to walk away with some new threads. And if you donate but don't get anything new, no harm, not foul. It was super simple. I don't know what happens with the leftovers, but I am guessing it doesn't go to waste. Maybe I will ask tomorrow when I head back to check out the options.
I love this festival. From the sustainability efforts to the quirky little things people can buy. I've never been to another festival like it in Japan.
I'll be stopping by again tomorrow, as there are some things that happen only on Saturday of the festival. I will also, hopefully, pick up some clothes at the exchange, as well as eat more delicious food!
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