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Basic Principle

Since its participation in the 1992 Earth Summit World Urban Forum, Minamata City has aspired to abide by the guidelines set out in the Declaration on Environment and Development, and based on the basic principle of "an Industrial-Cultural City that values Environment, Health, Welfare" of the City's General Plan, Minamata City has promoted Model Environmental City development under the General Plan for the Environment.

As a consequence of its experience with Minamata disease, an unparalleled example of the potential impact on human health and the environment posed by industrial activity, Minamata has gained a strong awareness that in order to ensure a healthy, cultured lifestyle, it is necessary to protect the environment and to construct a sustainable society.

For this reason, Minamata City will work not only independently in reducing the burden on the environment and further plans to enhance programs that help in the realization of the Model Environmental City, but also actively engage local organizations that are involved in the protection and preservation of both the local and global environment.

So as not to make waste of the sacrifices of Minamata disease, City Council, in concert with the citizens of Minamata, will promote the development of an Environmental Model City, with the aim of easing the burden on the environment by: reducing carbon dioxide emissions; controlling the release of CFCs and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer; depletion of non-renewable resources; acid rain; and the degradation of rain forest; to protect and improve the environment in a sustainable way so that the sea, mountains, rivers, and air, which are the source of life for our citizens', may be inherited by future generations.

1. Promote Environmental Model City development
   Taking to heart the lessons learned from the Minamata disease experience and coexisting with ongoing Minamata disease issues, the City will create, on the Minamata Bay reclaimed land and surrounding area, a place that will symbolize environmental regeneration for future generations. We will work towards the prevention of the pollution of the air and water, as well as the protection of plants and animals in nature.
   Since the mountains, rivers and sea are the basis for all life, not only humans, they are assets shared by all citizens and we will work for their protection so that they may be passed down to the next generation.
   The City will attempt to create a lifestyle that minimizes the burden on the environment, and to encourage the transformation to an environmentally-conscious industry.
2. Reduce Energy Consumption to prevent Global Warming
   Contribute to the prevention of global warming through the reduction of energy consumption in government buildings and public facilities thus limiting carbon dioxide emissions.
3. Promote Recycling, and reduce resource consumption
   To reduce the amount of resources consumed by government buildings and public facilities, and to encourage recycling.
4. Implement Environmental Impact Evaluations to review the objective and effectiveness of policies
   The Mayor will review the Environmental Impact Assessments of all City projects and activities and revise policy objectives annually.
5. Observe laws and regulations pertaining to the environment
   Abiding by environment-related ordinances, the City will establish even more demanding independent control standards, and continually strive to protect the environment and address environmental issues.
6. Establish an Environmental Management system The City will put in place an Environmental Management system in each department and facility with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the sake of environmental protection and the resolution of environmental issues.
7. To seek cooperation from Environmental Management Cooperative Groups (commissions, contractors, suppliers)
   In order to effectively utilize the aforementioned Environmental Management system, the City will publicize the Environmental Policies and seek the cooperation of other entities in environmental protection.
8. To provide education and training to staff on issues of environmental preservation and problem solving
   As a model for citizens and private business, the awareness and understanding of City Employees will be raised through education and training in environmental protection and environmental issues.
9. To conduct public surveys, such that the City's policies will reflect the lifestyles of its citizens
   Citizens will evaluate City policies by public audits, and the City will take their opinions and recommendations into consideration.
10. To disseminate information in order to raise public awareness of environmental issues
    The City will publicize all information in its possession related to the environment, and to spread Environmental ISO policies.

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1. No-Overtime Day
2. Short sleeves and no neckties in summer
3. Turn lights off during lunch break and other unnecessary times
4. Turn off electrical appliances/machines when not in use
5. Copies and printouts are to be double-sided
6. Use misprints for making memo pads
7. Thoroughly sort waste paper
8. No-Car Day
9. Purchase "green" office supplies whenever possible

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