2013.07.12

Interview with Kyushu University Vol. 2

Midori Sakaguchi plays a central role in the Plus Cosme Project, a Social Business, started by a group of students. She cheerfully explained their efforts to create a recycling-oriented society by recycling used cosmetic products (e.g. blush, foundation, and eye makeup) by converting them into painting materials.

According to a survey conducted by Ms. Sakaguchi and her group, 65% of people waste cosmetics instead of finishing them. Their study revealed that 21% of those that waste their cosmetics leaving 70% or more of the contents untouched. Ms. Sakaguchi expressed the urgency of the current situation, saying, “In our convenience-oriented society, we consume more cosmetics as an increasing number of women work outside the home. However, a significant portion of cosmetics is thrown away before it is consumed, since cosmetic products are largely affected by changing styles and fashion.”

 

To address this situation, the Plus Cosme Project developed and began selling a kit to convert used cosmetic products to paint by mixing them into pigment solution. Also, as part of environmental education programs to raising public awareness towards recycling, the students held a workshop in collaboration with local department stores to create painting materials from collected cosmetic waste and make art with them. This is a dream come true for Ms. Sakaguchi and her team, as it makes people think about recycling as they experience the joy of creation.

Ms. Sakaguchi and her team see clear signs of change in people’s awareness as they interact with the large numbers of people who come to their events. Their passion has since expanded beyond the borders of countries to developing countries. She told me that cosmetics once wasted in developed countries because women were tired of them or found them unworkable can be converted into painting materials can help education for children in developing countries. Ms. Sakaguchi and her group members expand their vision every day.

To further translate their ideas into a practical step towards resolving the world’s environmental problems through Social Business, the members are now considering using the Plus Cosme Project scheme to develop more concrete activities. Ms. Sakaguchi said, “We have yet to reach the answer to ideal operation—whether it should be an NPO, a for-profit business, or a student group. However, we hope we can start full-fledged operations within six months.” The team set a goal of being actively involved in environmental issues while enjoying their activities. Ms. Sakaguchi and her group members made a firm step forward toward future activities beyond Japan’s borders by deciding to collect cosmetic waste from all developed countries, since these countries suffer from a similar problem as Japan.

 

In fall of 2012, the Plus Cosme Project had the opportunity to give a presentation on their initiative at an international conference—the GSBS 2013 held in Wien, Austria. Four of the members introduced their Plus Cosme Project activities in front of a large audience, which included honorable guests such as the Spanish queen and Social Business advocate Dr. Muhammad Yunus in addition to Social Business leaders from around the globe.