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Spotify reel on Instagram. Screenshot by selma

What Now? Not Trying To Change All The People, Just One

There are no trash cans in streets in Japan and yet…

Japan is exploding with tourists right now…

Why do people travel if not to glean insight into how people’s lifestyle norms are different? and perhaps learn?

(Or do people travel to educate the host countries on how to do things “their” way? How the host country should be more accommodating to tourists?) Tourists who spend all that money to come to visit…

“How your ability to discard influences your ability to consume: metaphorically and otherwise.”


I heard some disturbing news on the radio this week about tourists in Japan.

How, finding no trash cans around to dispose of their trash, are arrogantly stuffing/stashing their trash between items on display. Thus, making the displayed items unusable/unsellable.

It saddens me. Oh how this saddens me.

Who is responsible for that trash? Really, who?

The arrogance! The disregard! The entitlement! —I know a trip to Japan is not cheap (though it’s favorable right now) but how about allowing a shift in perception on what to do with trash: a new mindset.

Just sayin’ 🤷🏽‍♀️

Try this one on for size. And see how far this goes into saving our planet. I know it can work.

The news discombobulated this old soul but then I saw something on Instagram that made me believe in the good of humanity.

We will be okay 👌🏽 dear people. All it takes is for one person to have an aha moment in their travels/experience here in Japan.

I bow 🙇🏽‍♀️ low to you.

Please click on the link: view the short reel.

What Now? what now!?

There is hope!

The Universe is amazing: what a holy encounter I experienced today. I just had to tell you about this. Thanks for reading.

Happy Tanabata holiday today.

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This Post Has 22 Comments

  1. Kate Duff

    I have had to carry my rubbish when through hiking for a week or so and it changes how you think about it for sure. It humbles you. We are so used to discarding and forgetting how much rubbish we make.

  2. Selma Martin

    I think you’re a sensitive human. Doing less than that is insensitive. And disrespectful to the hiking course/mountain/place you visit. It’s the right thing to do. I so respect you for that. Thanks so much for reading and commenting, Kate. ✊ 🤗

  3. trE

    I absolutely love Trevor! I saw him live comedically about 3 years ago. It was such a wonderful experience!

    He finds a way to weave informational instances into his live onstage comedy acts, and me, my best friend, and a work colleague of hers all left happy and smarter because of his show!

    1. Selma Martin

      I enjoy Trevor in the few instances I’ve seen him. He’s a great voice and smarts I admire. With a personality like his, he’s a strong presence and a great role model. I admire him tons.
      You’re lucky to have seen him live. So lucky dear friend. 🤗

      1. trE

        Yaaasss! I’ll never forget his show. 🙏🏾💙

    1. Selma Martin

      😔 Insensitivity. Lack of respect. Tethered only to what they know. I even feel sorry for them.
      Thanks for sharing your thoughts with me, Maggie. Thanks for beeing here. I bless your Sunday. Stay in the shade. 🤗

      1. It is my pleasue Selma 🤗
        Many blessings to you my friend .
        Love, light and Peace always 🙏

  4. ben Alexander

    very interesting (sad, yes, but also interesting to me) – I had no idea about the no-garbage-can culture… is this throughout all of Japan? Do Japanese people order less food to go due to the lack of garbage cans?

    ~David

    1. Selma Martin

      The lack of garbage cans around is never a deterrent for Japanese. But they are fully aware everything has its place. They discard of it the right way: Take it home to separate, or hold on to it until they can return it to the place where they purchased it for proper disposal. There’s reverence, even in disposing of garbage.
      Surely, teenagers act up and liter but they soon learn.
      Thanks for the interest, David.
      Could you watch the short video? Perhaps not. Sorry my friend. I looked for it on YOuTube but couldn’t find it for you. 🙇🏽‍♀️

  5. beth

    some people have lost all respect for others

    1. Selma Martin

      Lost all human decency. It’s ugly. It’s this “it’s not your fault” modern mentality. It’s so sad. Depressing.
      Thanks Beth.

  6. writerravenclaw

    That is so disrespectful, I was always taught to put rubbish in my pocket and when I found somewhere to dispose of it respectfully I would. You are correct, they are so entitled.

    1. Selma Martin

      Such entitlement. It’s depressing.
      Diana, you were taught well. That’s the right way to do it. And why wouldn’t the consumer be the one responsible for the trash too? Each of us is responsible. Just sayin’

      And this way helps the environment. Be well my friend. YOU are beautiful 🤗

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