Last week, the government of Japan — already considered one of the most energy-efï¬cient nations in the world — approved a program designed to further reduce the amount of waste the country produces by 60 per cent, to 25.3 million tons annually, by 2015. In addition to industry improvements, the plan involves a public education blitz that will encourage citizens to use public transportation and bicycles, to recycle faithfully, and to swear off plastic bags. Officials also have their sights set on one of the country's greatest symbols of consumer waste: disposable chopsticks.

Every year in Japan, an estimated 25 billion pairs — or about 90,000 tonnes — of wooden chopsticks are tossed out. This translates to roughly 200 sets per person. Instead, the government is asking that citizens bring their own reusable chopsticks to restaurants.

Thankfully, some members of the business community are two steps ahead in identifying innovative solutions to this very problem. Triumph International Japan, a forward-thinking bra company, recently unveiled an item of concept lingerie called the "My Chopstick Bra." Built into the bra are a pair of collapsible, reusable chopsticks. In addition to boosting environmental awareness, the chopsticks have the effect of boosting cleavage when they are placed in their holsters on the outer edge of each cup.

As if this weren't enough, the cups of the bra are shaped like bowls of steamed rice and miso soup. And a removable chopstick rest (made from recycled paper) sits between them. "It's easy to forget to bring along your chopsticks," one Triumph model told reporters at the Tokyo unveiling of the bra, "but if it's always on you here, then that's pretty practical."

The My Chopstick Bra isn't intended for mass production, but it is an important part of Triumph's ongoing effort to promote environmental awareness in Japan. Past concept bras have included one that converts easily into a reusable shopping bag, and a microwaveable model that warms the wearer so she can dial down the heat in her home.