Consumer Co-ops' Social Activities

Environmental Activities

Consumer co-ops promote initiatives toward a sustainable society in collaboration with co-op members and local communities. Towards the realization of the 2030 Environmental Target, co-ops are making various environmental efforts.

Greenhouse gas reduction

JCCU and its member co-ops set “Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan” in FY2005 to reduce the emissions in co-op business activities, and have continuously made effort. The 2020 goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 15% compared to FY2005. In order to achieve this, co-ops have been installing energy-saving systems in new stores and introducing LED lights and other energy-saving equipment to existing stores.

Renewable energy

As a part of efforts to achieve a sustainable society, many consumer co-ops are engaged in renewable energy generation.

Recycling collection and plastic shopping bag reduction

Consumer co-ops promote waste reduction as a part of the reduction of environmental burden. Many co-ops collect recyclable materials at stores and by home delivery trucks. Also, charging for plastic shopping bags at stores, with the aim to call for the use of eco bags, is becoming widespread.

International Co-operation and Exchange

JCCU and its member co-ops have been engaging in the support for UNICEF since1979, the International Year of the Child. In addition, there are several CO・OP Brand Products aiming for contribution to an international society. Part of the proceeds from sales of these products is donated to UNICEF and other international organizations.

JCCU, on behalf of consumer co-ops nationwide, has built a good relationship with the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) as one of its member organizations. JCCU also has been strengthening relationships with co-operatives and organizations across the world and participating in human resource development programs to support the development of consumer co-ops in the Asia-Pacific Region.

JCCU also has been collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) in organizing an annual study tour to Japan for African co-operative leaders for years. JCCU dispatches staff to ICA-AP Malaysia Business Office and ILO COOP.
Related JCCU NEWS
ICA-AP Training Program for Managers of Consumer Co-ops 2018 Winter
ICA-AP Training Program for Managers of Consumer Co-ops 2018 Summer
The 9th ILO/JCCU study tour

Peace Activities

Peace Action in Hiroshima/Nagasaki

JCCU co-sponsors an annual peace event, called Peace Action, held in two locations, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, respectively with Hiroshima Consumers' Co-operative Union and Nagasaki Consumers' Co-operative Union for the purpose of sharing A- and H-Bomb Sufferers experiences and to call for the abolition of nuclear weapons. Both events bring in thousands of members, co-op staff, and citizens, having various exhibitions, learning programs, art performances, including those targeting children and families.
Related JCCU NEWS
2018 Peace Action in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
2017 Peace Action in Hiroshima and Nagasaki
2016 Peace Action in Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Okinawa old battlefield/American Military base tour

Okinawa Consumers Co-operative Union and JCCU co-organize annual Okinawa old battlefield and American Military base tour for Co-op members to learn about the fact of the battle of Okinawa of World War II and the current problems surrounding the US Military bases in Okinawa and think about peace. Every year around two hundred Co-op staff and members receive lectures and participate in study tours, including a study tour for families with school-age children.
Related JCCU NEWS
The 35th Okinawa old battlefield / base tour held
The 34th Okinawa old battlefield / base tour held
The 33th Okinawa old battlefield / base tour held

Sanchoku

Co-op Sanchoku[PDF 4.24MB]

"Rice-fed Pork Project" aiming the improvement of the food self-sufficiency rate

Co-opdeli Consumers’ Co-operative Union started ”Rice-fed Pork Project” in collaboration with rice farmers, pig farmers, and feed manufacturers in FY2008. It is a project to produce rice as animal feed utilizing unused farmlands, feed pigs with the rice, and to produce and distribute Sanchoku pork. Starting with producing 175 tons of rice to breed 9,500 pigs in FY2009, the project reached 1,999 tons of rice and 80,758 pigs in FY2017 by holding tasting events and exchange events with producers to gain members’ interest. Use of rice as animal feed is now spreading to cattle farmers and poultry farmers.

"Torepichi" and “Toreshaki,” two projects aiming to connect producers and consumers

Co-op Kobe started a project to promote consumption of fishery products in Hyogo Prefecture with JF Hyogo-Gyoren, the local federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations in FY2014. The project is called “Torepichi”, aiming to distribute fish products not on the market through exchange events with producers, campaigns at co-op stores, and cooking workshops. “Toreshaki,” another project to promote consumption of agricultural products in Hyogo Prefecture, started in FY2016. Through events like cooking workshops at co-op stores, Co-op Kobe aims to spread the goodness of locally produced vegetables to co-op members.

Dietary Education

Consumer co-ops promote dietary education for the purpose of promoting healthy eating habits. Many co-ops hold production site tours and cooking workshops for members and provide visiting lectures to primary and junior high schools in their communities.

Commitment to the Establishment of a Consumer Citizen Society

JCCU and its member co-ops work on building a network of all Japanese consumers, collaborating with administratives, consumer organizations, and experts. Co-ops support activities of Qualified Consumer Organizations that have the right to demand an injunction against unfair practices by business operators on behalf of individual consumers. Co-ops also exchange opinions with administratives and hold study programs for consumers, e.g. training courses for consumer damage prevention, and seminars on household energy.