Paper or Plastic? I bet people are getting sick of being asked this question. I’ve been asked numerous times here in Japan. Every time I was asked, I gave it a good amount of consideration and usually end up with going with plastic. Is plastic better? I don’t know.
Nowadays most people know about climate change. We, normal consumers have an obligation to do everything we possibly can do to save the planet or at least to preserve what’s left of it. There are numerous things that we can do, and it is important that we all try to do something. Reducing the use of plastic bags is one. Yet, why aren’t there more people doing it? My guess is that people need a better motivational nudge than just “saving the planet”, they need something else: a style. So here, I present a wonderful and uniquely Japanese item that is not only eco, but also provides some flair and fashion. It is called a Furoshiki.
A Furoshiki is a piece of cloth made of mainly silk, cotton, nylon, or rayon. Though they come in a variety of sizes, probably 1 meter square is the most common. A Furoshiki has a long history in Japan. People used to carry cloths in it after their public bath, wrap gift items for special occasions, and cover their furniture to protect it from dust. Now with the help of eco conscious minds, the Furoshiki has gained great popularity among some Japanese and foreigners and there are numerous alternative uses.
The following is the list of things you can do with Furoshiki.
Fashion
1. Scarf
2. Shawl
3. Bandana
4. Belt
Transferring goods
5. Bags
Other
6. Gift wrapping
7. Handkerchief (or Bento wrap)
8. Cushion cover
9. Blanket
10. Table cloth
There are number of beautifully patterned Furoshiki available. But if you cannot find a perfect Froshiki that fits your style, you can just go to a local fabric store and find a pattern you like. Cut it to about 40 inches square, sew the edges, and you have your own original Furoshiki.
I made my own Furoshiki recently and I love it. I mainly use it as a bag. Now when presented with the demand to choose between paper or plastic, I can respond confidently with ‘neither, I brought my own.’
*A tip for future Furoshiki users: If you plan to use your furoshiki as a grocery bag I recommend that you prefold and tie the Furoshiki before heading out. Sometimes there isn’t enough room in the bagging area of the supermarket. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an Origami master to learn how to fold a Furoshiki. It’s quite easy.
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