city overview

athens, a city where ancient history and modern endeavors blend seamlessly, stands as a beacon of sustainability and environmental consciousness in the heart of greece. this metropolis, known for its rich cultural heritage, is also paving the way for innovative waste reduction strategies, embracing the principles of the circular economy, and promoting repair over replacement. as athens strides towards a zero waste future, it is inspiring its residents and visitors alike to reconsider their environmental footprint and engage in more sustainable practices.

fun facts

- athens is home to the acropolis, a symbol of classical spirit and civilization, embodying the city's commitment to preserving history while looking forward to the future.

- the city has initiated several urban gardening and green roofing projects, transforming unused spaces into lush, green areas that contribute to the city's biodiversity and residents' well-being.

- athens hosts a variety of repair cafes and workshops, encouraging the community to fix broken items rather than discard them, fostering a culture of repair and reuse.

- the municipality has implemented comprehensive recycling programs, aiming to drastically reduce waste sent to landfills and promote recycling and composting among its citizens.

- athens is part of the cities-4-circularity project, which focuses on integrating circular economy principles into urban planning and development, showcasing its dedication to sustainable growth.

- the city offers educational programs and awareness campaigns on waste reduction, providing residents with the knowledge and tools to lead more sustainable lifestyles.

- athens has developed a network of zero waste stores, where shoppers can buy bulk goods without unnecessary packaging, further reducing the city's environmental impact.

as athens continues to integrate zero waste principles into every aspect of urban life, it stands as a testament to the power of community, innovation, and sustainable development. through its ongoing efforts, athens is not just preserving its glorious past but also ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.

sustainability snapshot

accomplishments and objectives:

athens, a city with an ancient history, is making strides in modern sustainability and waste reduction. the city government has introduced comprehensive recycling programs aiming to reduce landfill use and encourage waste sorting at the source. athens' achievements in zero waste and sustainability include:

- recycling and composting: the municipality has expanded its recycling facilities and introduced composting initiatives to manage organic waste from households and businesses more effectively, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

- circular economy hub: athens has begun transforming areas within the city into circular economy hubs where materials are reused and recycled. this includes the promotion of repair cafes and shops dedicated to repurposing goods.

- green spaces: development of green spaces in urban areas has been prioritized to improve air quality and provide composting sites.

ongoing projects:

- waste reduction campaigns: the city runs awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of reducing waste, sorting recyclables, and the impact of littering.

- single-use plastic ban: in line with eu directives, athens is working towards eliminating single-use plastics and has introduced alternatives in municipal facilities and events.

- repair workshops: collaborating with local businesses, athens has initiated a series of workshops to teach residents how to repair and maintain a wide array of products, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.

future goals:

- zero waste certification: athens aims to be among the pioneering cities to achieve zero waste certification by adopting more stringent waste reduction policies and practices.

- circular economy integration: plans are in place to integrate circular economy principles into urban development projects, ensuring that materials used in construction and city infrastructure are sustainable and recyclable.

- sustainable tourism: with the city being a major tourist destination, there is a goal to implement sustainable tourism practices that will minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility among visitors.

waste statistics:

- recycling rate: athens has seen an improvement in its recycling rate, with current figures around 30%, showing a positive trend towards the national target of 50% by 2025.

- waste generation: on average, each athenian generates approximately 400 kg of waste per year, with efforts underway to reduce this through education and waste minimization programs.

- landfill diversion: the city has succeeded in diverting a significant amount of waste from landfills compared to previous years, with an aim to increase this through enhanced recycling and composting efforts.

by shining a spotlight on athens' sustainability efforts, the city hopes to inspire residents and visitors alike to adopt eco-friendly habits and partake in building a greener, more sustainable urban environment.