Role, Current Status and Issues of the Green Purchasing Law

Abstract

Twenty years have passed since the ten general rules for Green Consumer were introduced, and it is almost 10 years since the green purchasing law was enacted in Japan. Although green purchasing has progressed steadily and eco-friendly goods are now securing its place in the market, there are still many issues to be solved. Falsifications of recycled paper and many recycled goods were revealed in 2008. Green purchasing will play an important role in dissemination of eco-friendly goods to the market at a time when it is essential to take measures against global warming promptly. The time has come to review the past measures and current status of green purchasing, and to make progress with ways to optimize effects of green purchasing.