city overview

lisbon, the sun-kissed capital of portugal, stands as a beacon of cultural richness, historical significance, and forward-thinking sustainability efforts. nestled at the meeting point of the tagus river and the atlantic ocean, this vibrant city marries traditional charm with a robust commitment to environmental stewardship. lisbon is on a steadfast journey towards zero waste, championing circular economy practices and encouraging its residents and visitors alike to embrace a more sustainable way of living.

fun facts

- lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, predating other european capitals such as london, paris, and rome by centuries.

- it is home to the iconic tram 28, which winds its way through the city's most historic neighborhoods, offering a picturesque journey into lisbon's past and present.

- the city boasts the largest urban forest in portugal, monsanto forest park, serving as a green lung and a recreational haven for its inhabitants.

- lisbon was the first city to receive the european green capital award in 2020, a testament to its commitment to sustainable urban development.

- the municipality has implemented various initiatives to reduce waste, including the promotion of water refill stations to minimize plastic bottle use and the introduction of community composting sites to transform organic waste into valuable resources.

- lisbon is pioneering in the circular economy space with projects like the repair café lisboa, where locals gather to mend and repurpose items, reducing the need for new products and minimizing waste.

- the city has set ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2050, with strategies focusing on renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and green infrastructure.

lisbon's dedication to sustainability, coupled with its rich history and cultural tapestry, makes it an exemplary model for cities worldwide aspiring to balance urbanization with environmental consciousness.

sustainability snapshot

lisbon, the coastal capital of portugal, is a city with a growing commitment to sustainability and zero waste principles. the city has made significant strides in adopting circular economy strategies and promoting repair initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint.

zero waste accomplishments:

- lisbon has implemented a comprehensive recycling program that includes organic waste collection, helping to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

- the city has invested in awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of waste reduction and proper waste sorting.

- lisbon has hosted several zero waste events and workshops, which aim to inspire and empower citizens to make sustainable lifestyle choices.

circular economy efforts:

- lisbon is home to a burgeoning eco-innovation sector, which includes startups focused on developing circular economy solutions.

- the municipality has partnered with local businesses to encourage the design and sale of products with longer life spans and the potential for repair or recycling.

- the "lisbon circular economy strategy" outlines a plan to transform the city into a circular economy hub by 2030, focusing on sustainable mobility, resource-efficient buildings, and local food systems.

repair initiatives:

- repair cafes and community repair workshops have been established, providing spaces where residents can learn to fix their belongings, from clothes to electronics, reducing the need for new purchases.

- lisbon promotes a "repair economy" by supporting local artisans and repair businesses through economic incentives and visibility in city-sponsored platforms.

- the city has introduced a "right to repair" campaign, which advocates for legislation to make repair services more accessible and affordable.

future goals:

- lisbon aims to increase its waste diversion rate to 60% by 2030, with an interim goal of 50% by 2025.

- the city plans to expand its network of recycling facilities and composting sites to ensure that all neighborhoods have access to zero waste resources.

- an initiative is underway to integrate circular economy principles into the educational curriculum, from primary schools to universities.

waste statistics:

- as of the last report, lisbon recycled approximately 30% of its waste, with organic recycling being one of the fastest-growing segments.

- the amount of waste generated per capita has seen a slight decrease year over year, indicating the success of waste reduction campaigns.

- electronic waste collection and recycling have seen an uptick thanks to increased awareness and the establishment of more e-waste drop-off points.

lisbon's journey towards a zero waste and circular economy is a dynamic one, with the city continuously looking to innovate and improve upon its sustainable practices. the engagement of citizens, businesses, and policymakers alike is crucial to achieving the city's ambitious environmental goals. through education, collaboration, and a dedicated effort to embrace sustainability at all levels, lisbon is positioning itself as a leader in the zero waste and circular economy movement.