2017 Volume 28 Issue 5 Pages 343-348
The 3R behaviors of citizens have proven to be an important part of Japan′s waste management process, and this public behavior has been influenced through environmental education programs working in conjunction with waste management facilities. For nearly 40 years throughout the country these facilities have been instrumental in arranging for visits by primary schoolchildren, however budget deficits at the local government level are now threatening the sustainability of such important environmental education programs.
The author conducted surveys to understand the influence of introducing the“designated manager system” and how similar social education facilities like libraries, museums, and public halls can have an impact. The survey results revealed four main points toward the sustainable administration of these environmental education facilities: the first is reconfirmation of the mission; the second is mutual cooperation by all involved facilities; the third is development of the evaluation index; and the fourth is carrier support by working persons.
