ABSTRACT
Mankind is moving toward tipping points for its survival, facing planetary boundaries. The notion of circular economy presents an alternative way to avoid a catastrophe by enhancing sustainability in economy, society and environment requiring governments, businesses, and civil society actors to move in this direction. Japanese consumer cooperatives have taken a number of initiatives to promote circular economy combining associational and entrepreneurial dimensions. These include the “3Rs”: recycling of packaging, paper, used cooking oils; reuse containers with refill contents; reduce plastics by My bag or My bottle campaigns. Japanese cooperatives take part in the production and consumption of renewable energy through installing solar panels, turbines, and biofuel plants as well as retailing. Additionally, they publicize these initiatives through social media and publicly accessible environmental reports such as sustainability reports to educate members and inform the general public. By showcasing these examples of implementing goals of environmental sustainability, this chapter aims to conclude that cooperatives have the potential to foster circular economy principles through combining an association and an enterprise dimension.
