On September 20th, Social Innovation Japan publicly launched Japan’s first free water refill app, MyMizu (beta version). MyMizu aims to reduce PET bottle consumption and build a nationwide movement for sustainability.
The free smartphone app connects its users to 8,000+ refill stations nationwide, including public water sources (e.g. water fountains) and partner businesses (cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops), enabling people to refill instead of buying bottled water.
Japan is the second-largest producer of PET bottles in the world; every year, over 22 billion are produced domestically. Whilst Japan’s recycling technology and infrastructure are advanced, approximately 2.6 billion bottles are incinerated, sent to landfill, or simply lost to waterways and the oceans annually.
- Through the app, users can:
- Access 8,000+ points across Japan to refill their bottles
- Discover new places (cafes, restaurants, hotels, )
- Reduce consumption of single-use plastic bottles
- Upload their own refill spots, contributing to the movement
A global movement
With the G20 having been hosted in Japan this year and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics approaching, the world’s eyes are on Japan: MyMizu provides an unparalleled opportunity for government and businesses to show that Japan is serious about sustainability.
MyMizu’s launch coincided with two key events for Japan: the opening of the Rugby World Cup (considered the world’s third-largest sporting event) and the Global Climate Strike (a global demonstration for urgent action on the environment). An expected 1.8 million spectators, including up to 600,000 overseas visitors that come to watch the Rugby World Cup can stay hydrate without the need for single-use plastic bottles, and participate in a global effort towards climate action.
MyMizu gives partner businesses a free opportunity to increase foot traffic, enhance their branding, and play their part in making their local area more sustainable and liveable – one bottle at a time.
Reviews
Thus far, the app (provided free-of-charge to users and partner businesses) has received an average 4.9-star rating on the App Store, with feedback including:
- “The app is a real game-changer! Now we have access to so many refilling stations, we can avoid buying plastic ”
- “Very Innovative and useful! I hope this app will spread across Japan”
- “I’ve been waiting for this app to launch for a long time!”
- “I’ve been searching for an app like this! By knowing where refill points are, I no longer have to buy PET bottles! It’s a really easy way to live a more eco-friendly ”
- “This is incredible! It’s truly People are increasingly carrying around their own bottles, but if you run out of water, then you end up buying PET bottles. But finding places where you can refill for free resolves this. And you may even find a place to relax or a new favourite spot.”
The MyMizu app is internationally available for download on iOS only.
Visit our website, mymizu.co, to find out more about our mission, how to download the app, and how to register a new refill station.
MyMizu is borne out of Social Innovation Japan, a registered non-profit organisation with a mission to activate greater social innovation in and out of Japan.
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For media or partnership enquiries please contact Robin Takashi Lewis: hello@mymizu.co
一般社団法人Social Innovation Japan
〒151-0062 Tokyo, Shibuya-ku, Motoyoyogicho, 4-5
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mymizu.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymizu.co
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mymizuco
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