MITI's activities toward the construction of a socio-economic system with sustainable material cycles

Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is committed to the construction of a society with minimized inputs of energy and resources and minimized outputs of wastes and pollutants. To achieve this goal, a socio-economic system with sustainable material cycles needs to be developed, and MITI has been supporting the development through various policy measures, including legislation to promote recycling. The ISO 14000 series is regarded as a key mechanism in the facilitation, evaluation and realization of this system. Local government activities that support the goals of zero emissions societies are also being encouraged through the "Eco-Town" project.