After finishing reading your newspaper, have you ever wondered what to do with it? This is given that you are reading a print edition: Well, a Japanese publisher of The Mainichi Shimbusha newspaper has introduced a novel initiative called the ‘green’ newspaper, offering a unique solution: you can plant the newspaper once you’re done with it. It has seeds embedded in the paper.
Why was this concept developed? As a means of tidying up urban areas while also contributing to environmental efforts, the Green Newspaper by the Japanese Daily was conceived. it’s a way to also teach people about climate change and sustainability issues.
If you’re inspired by the innovative spirit behind Japan’s plantable newspaper, you might also explore how language and sustainability connect in your own career. For those fluent in Japanese, there are growing opportunities to find remote Japanese language jobs on Jooble. Whether you’re passionate about translation, teaching, or support roles, these positions allow you to leverage language skills while contributing to diverse fields.
First introduced on ‘Greenery Day’ on May 4th, 2016 in Japan this special edition was dedicated solely to environmental news and printed on 100% biodegradable paper with plant-based inks. Each page contained embedded seeds that, when planted, would sprout into flowers attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Some copies even had seeds for growing herbs! Instructions were included for tearing used newspapers into smaller pieces and planting them in soil. With print advertising’s branding being 185% stronger than digital according to Newswoks’ report on Print vs Digital Advertising (2020), incorporating plantable pages adds an extra allure to the printed word.
Who came up with this idea? The concept originated from Dentsu Inc, one of Japan’s largest advertising agencies, collaborating with The Mainichi, publisher of The Japanese Daily.
Has it been effective? The Green Newspaper is not the first environmental initiative undertaken by The Japanese Daily. They’ve earned a reputation through previous campaigns, such as water donation drives for populations facing drought and unsafe drinking water.
Their eco-friendly newspaper has seen significant success, with a daily circulation exceeding four million copies nationwide and revenues surpassing eighty million yen, equivalent to over £500,000.
The initiative has involved schools, educating children and raising awareness about current environmental issues, thereby instilling the importance of recycling in the next generation.
The Japanese Daily isn’t alone in embracing sustainable planting initiatives. With Europe boasting a recycling rate of 74%, innovative recycling methods are gaining popularity. Plantable greeting cards are increasingly common in stationary shops and supermarkets. Businesses are also adopting eco-friendly promotional materials like seed sticks and plantable papers for business cards, leaflets, and flyers. Plus, you can make them at home. Or make seed bombs which also fun.
How is seed paper made?
Seed paper isn’t a novel concept but rather a slow-growing trend. It’s a simple mixture of recycled paper, water, and small flower or herb seeds. You can even make it at home. Here are the steps:
- Tear up your old paper of choice and put it in a blender.
- Fill blender with warm water.
- Blend until there are no visible paper chunks.
- Stir in the seeds. Choose tiny seeds like parsley, lettuce, or za’atar – or flowers.
- Strain the mixture to remove excess water. Very important.
- Spread the pulp thinly to dry.
- Once dry, use it for various purposes like cards or tags, knowing that wherever it ends up, it will eventually bloom into flowers.
So, next time you’re done with a newspaper or come across one during your travels, consider recycling it into something new. And for special occasions, opt for plantable cards, knowing you’re contributing to the planet’s well-being, one page at a time. Oh and kids love making paper. It’s the number one activity we have done with kids over the years. Consider turning your paper into greeting cards, birthday cards or Ramadan cards.
