A Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that can be wrapped and tied to create a carrying bag, and is probably the most eco-friendly alternative to the shopping bag. In 2006 Ms. Yuriko Koike, Japan’s Minister of the Environment began an initiative to resurrect the practice in Japan by creating the “Mottainai Furoshiki“ a wrapping cloth with traditional patterns on one side and wrapping instructions (seen above) on the reverse side to provide a quick reference. Though it is unlikely the practice will be adopted outside of Japan where there is a cultural pretext, It is admired and recognized as a symbol of Japanese resourcefullness and skill. It reminds one of The Hitchhiker’s guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, in which the towel ( a square of cloth ) was described as the only indispensable item when traversing the galaxy due to its ability to be adapted to any situation.
[...] laptop Furoshiki is the Japanese tradition of using a large piece of fabric to wrap things in a multitude of ways [...]