A tenants association in Yamatotakada, Nara Prefecture, has opened a secondhand shop to revitalize the quiet shopping district and reduce waste.

The Daily Yomiuri in Japan reports that the association, comprising 30 tenants in the Tenjinbashisuji shopping district, opened Recycle Shop Sazanka after renting an empty store in the district. The shop sells secondhand items such as furniture donated by the Clean Center, a municipal body in charge of waste disposal. The shopping district had its heyday during the late 1960s and early '70s, when it had about 50 stores and was crowded with shoppers. However, many of stores closed due to the recession, and 10 currently are unoccupied. Meanwhile, Clean Center was having trouble disposing of perfectly serviceable unwanted furniture and unused stationery purchased from firms. Officials at the centre used to take these items to thrice-yearly flea markets held by tenants of the shopping district. The flea markets proved a success, and the secondhand shop is basically a continuation of them.

The shop sells tables, chairs, stationery, stuffed animals and toys at extremely low prices. Profits are donated to a bank organized by a municipal social welfare association and used for social programs. The second floor of the shop is used rent-free by a citizens group that promotes the town. "The recycling shop will serve three purposes--help reduce garbage, revitalize our shopping district and build up our town," said Eiichi Morita, head of the association. He said he hoped the project will be successful. Meanwhile, the Clean Center is looking for eco-friendly stores that give 10 yen discounts to customers who use their own shopping bags. The centre expects to reduce the amount of plastic bags used in the city, which account for 8 per cent of all garbage. The centre will distribute decals to participating stores to display in windows and will inform customers and stores of the campaign through newsletters.

The campaign will give customers refunds when they spend a certain amount of money. Stores also may begin charging those who request plastic bags. Such campaigns have already been tried at large supermarkets and co-ops. However, it is still unfamiliar among small and midsize supermarkets and private stores. The municipal government expects the city to be more concerned about reducing garbage. It is urging stores to give a 10 yen rebate to people who bring their bags with them if they spend more than 500 yen. Officials in charge of the campaign said it is beneficial for stores to join the campaign because customers will have a positive impression of affiliated stores