city overview

nestled between the ligurian sea and the rugged mountains, genoa stands as a beacon of history, culture, and innovation. this vibrant port city, with its rich maritime heritage, is on a transformative journey towards sustainability and zero waste living. genoa is embracing the circular economy with open arms, encouraging its residents and visitors alike to rethink their consumption habits, reduce waste, and champion product repair and reuse.

fun facts

- genoa is home to one of italy's most important ports, playing a pivotal role in the mediterranean trade and economy for centuries.

- the city's historic center is one of the largest in europe, filled with narrow lanes and picturesque squares known as "caruggi."

- genoa was the birthplace of christopher columbus, the renowned explorer, adding to the city's rich tapestry of history and discovery.

- pesto, a beloved global sauce, originated in genoa. the city takes pride in its culinary heritage, promoting local, sustainable food practices.

- the biosfera, a striking glass sphere located in the port of genoa, symbolizes the city's commitment to biodiversity and environmental education.

- genoa has implemented innovative waste management strategies, including advanced recycling programs and initiatives to promote repair and reuse, particularly in the electronics and textile industries.

- the city hosts various zero waste events and workshops throughout the year, aimed at educating residents on sustainable living practices and the importance of a circular economy.

genoa's dedication to sustainability, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it a unique model for urban environments striving towards zero waste goals. through continued efforts in waste reduction, repair initiatives, and community engagement, genoa is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

sustainability snapshot

accomplishments:

- waste reduction programs: genoa has implemented a robust waste collection and sorting system that has significantly increased recycling rates over recent years. this includes the deployment of "eco islands" which are high-tech recycling stations that help in separating waste effectively.

- urban food waste reduction: the city has partnered with local organizations to reduce food waste, including initiatives for donating excess food to those in need and promoting composting among residents and businesses.

- repair cafés and workshops: genoa has seen a rise in community-led repair cafes, where residents can bring their broken items to be fixed by volunteers. this not only extends the life of products but also fosters a sense of community and skill-sharing.

ongoing projects:

- circular economy integration: the city is working on integrating circular economy principles into local businesses and manufacturing processes, encouraging companies to design out waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible.

- education and outreach: continuous efforts are being made to educate the public on zero waste lifestyles through campaigns, workshops, and school programs aimed at instilling sustainable habits from a young age.

- green public procurement: genoa is increasingly prioritizing the purchase of goods and services that are environmentally friendly, which supports the market for sustainable products and encourages companies to adopt green practices.

future goals:

- zero waste certification: genoa aims to obtain zero waste certification, pushing for even more ambitious recycling targets and waste prevention strategies.

- expansion of repair networks: plans to expand the network of repair cafes and encourage local businesses to offer repair services as part of their business models.

- sustainable tourism: with genoa being a historical port and a tourist destination, the city is working on integrating sustainability into its tourism sector, which includes managing waste generated by tourists more effectively.

waste statistics:

- recycling rate: as of the last report, genoa has achieved a recycling rate of approximately 50%, with a goal to increase this significantly in the coming years.

- waste generation: the average waste generation per capita in genoa is currently estimated to be around 500 kg/year, with initiatives in place to reduce this figure through prevention, reduction, and education.

- landfill diversion: the city has been successful in diverting a significant amount of waste from landfills, thanks to its effective waste sorting and management systems, though exact figures are subject to update based on ongoing efforts.

engagement call to action:

genoa’s residents are encouraged to participate in local sustainability initiatives, whether it be attending a repair workshop, volunteering at an eco island, or simply improving their waste sorting habits at home. the city continues to welcome ideas and collaboration from its citizens to further enhance its zero waste journey. together, genoese can work towards a greener, more sustainable urban environment that is a model for cities worldwide.