The Musashi Urawa Japanese Language Institute maintains dormitories where our students can live together and support each other in their studies. This week, we held an inspection of these residences to make sure they were being kept properly, such as the kitchen and individual rooms being cleaned appropriately.
One?s environment certainly has an effect on one?s studies, as a clean and tidy area lifts the spirit and allows for clearer concentration. Of course, I?m not saying that everything must be cleaned everyday, but in this situation, I?m pretty sure that the students made an effort to have everything in order for the inspection.
Now, one of the most important things about living in Japan is understanding the rules regarding garbage separation. The details vary by city, but garbage must always be separated into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable trash before being thrown away. Especially important is keeping the recyclable items separate so they can be transformed into some new, useful article. For example, PET bottles can be changed into suits and other business attire!
I?m sure at some point you have probably thought that life in Japan means paying close attention to many minute issues, but everyone?s cooperation in these matters creates a comfortable and thriving society. Therefore, everyone please make the effort to separate your garbage properly.