Taking Action at Home: The Green Change Initiative in Ishikari City
A hands-on event focused on decarbonization, where food trucks are powered by electric vehicles, is set to take place in Ishikari City. This event aims to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions originating from households, which account for approximately 24% of Hokkaido’s total emissions. Unlike traditional approaches that emphasize endurance and austerity, this event promotes decarbonization while maintaining affluence, offering a family-friendly and interactive platform for participants.
The event will feature several experience booths and a food truck area open from 10:00 to 17:00. Four food trucks will be powered using the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, showcasing a concept of ‘CO2 Zero Food Trucks’ with no generators or exhaust emissions. Additionally, children can engage in a solar car crafting experience (limited to the first 100 participants, registration required), play the CN2050 Decarbonization board game, and meet the Ministry of the Environment’s character mascot, ‘Daidara Pozzy.’ Participants can also take part in the CO2 Reduction Declaration Action and Bingo Tournament, with eco-bags as prizes. Various booths, including those from Ishikari City and the Hokkaido/Ishikari Subprefectural Bureau, will be present to provide information and engage with attendees.
A special lecture titled ‘The Decarbonization Revolution Starting from Home’ will be held from 17:30 to 18:30 in the hall, featuring Mr. Noriaki Kamata, Director of the Japan Carbon Neutral Association and the 2019 National President of Junior Chamber International Japan. The lecture will shed light on the importance of individual actions in achieving decarbonization and the significant role households play in this global effort.
As the event draws to a close, a symbolic moment titled ‘One Minute to Protect the Earth’ will take place at 18:24. During this time, the venue’s lights will dim, and 500 participants will simultaneously turn on and off their smartphone lights, signifying unity and commitment to environmental protection. The event aims to inspire participants to take action in their daily lives to contribute to decarbonization efforts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The event is free to attend, with no application required for general admission. However, registration is necessary for the solar car crafting experience, limited to the first 100 participants. The event will take place at the Hanakawakita Community Center and is organized by the Japan Carbon Neutral Association and the Junior Chamber International Japan. For the latest updates and information on the event, attendees are advised to visit the official website of the organizers.