Episode 26 Ian Shimizu (St. Marys 2011) Environmentalist  

WeMori Kickstarter Link https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1065560538/wemori-an-app-to-regenerate-the-earth-0  

Ian explains to Nick what WeMori does, and how their Kickstarter works. He explains to Nick about the two types of the awards backers of WeMori can receive, washi and an "up-cycled" t-shirt. He explains how "washi" is in a sense the world's most "sustainable paper", since its paper you can wash. He also explains to Nick what "up-cycling" is and how the t-shirts created specifically for his Kickstarter backers are made out of this unique system of "up-cycling".  Ian explains to Nick the importance of mindset in regards to understanding why we have the products we do, and to understand what happens to these products once they are used. That we must consider the "story" of products in front of us in regard to where they come from and where they are going. By understanding what is around us, we can then understand how we can change our daily routines in order to live a lifestyle that is more aware of the holistic picture of what makes our everyday life.   Ian's advice in regards to what the average person could do in regards to making immediate changes would include, but not exclusive to; eat less/no meat, use renewable energy, use less disposable bottles, ride fewer planes, and help protect and restore forests.   The two discuss nuclear energy, and how its a very divisive issue without a concrete answer, especially in Japan that has historic trauma in regards to nuclear power, and is in a geopolitically precarious location. ​Ian and Nick then discuss renewable energy. The advantages/disadvantages as well as the general question of whether "alternative energy" alone is a resolution to our environmental issues.   ​Ian explains to Nick the root of where his passion for environmentalism came from, and how it a series of events, from his childhood all the way to the present day, which had molded him to become the environmentalist he is today.  The two discuss "Earthman" (​Article with "Earthman" from France). Ian explains to Nick how "Earthman" started around 6-7 years ago by him, and is now part of any climate March in Japan today walking in the front row.  Ian explains to Nick the importance of education and awareness in regards to environmental issues, and how he has utilized platforms such as 350 and Spiral Club to help this happen.   

Guest: Ian Shimizu Ian (St. Marys 2011)

H is a bilingual environmentalist, educator, and consultant based in Tokyo. Founder of weMORI, an ongoing nonprofit project to build an app that makes protection and restoration of forests around the world fun, easy and accessible for all.  He is a professional speaker with experience giving over +200 speeches and lectures about SDGs, climate change and other topics on sustainability across Japan.  He is a consultant and project manager for various environmental and education projects for clients including The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Currently consulting for an app-based education service launching in March of 2019 for CINRA.Inc.  He helped launch the Japan branch of 350.org, a global grassroots nonprofit while a student at International Christian University, Japan's top liberal arts University. Founder of Spiral Club, a community media platform with the aim of 'making environmental awareness mainstream' in Japan.  Music Credit: Bensounds