Zero-Waste Bakırköy: It’s Possible

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR WASTE REDUCTION (EWWR) – 5-DAY EVENT PROGRAMME

Organized by the Bakırköy Municipality Directorate of Climate Change and Zero Waste within the scope of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR), this 5-day program aims to prevent waste generation, ensure efficient resource utilization, promote reuse, and raise awareness on zero waste. The events will be open to the participation of municipal personnel and residents; program and application announcements will be shared with the public via our municipality’s social media accounts.

Day 1 – Reduce Waste: Waste Reduction Week Awareness Presentation

A presentation on “Reduce Waste” will be held in the municipality hall, open to the attendance of municipal staff and invitees. The comprehensive presentation will address the purpose and importance of the European Week for Waste Reduction, efficient resource management, combating overconsumption, preventing food and other resource waste, reducing waste generation at the source, and promoting sustainable lifestyles.

Day 2 – Waste Vegetable Oil Soap-Making Workshop

A “Waste Vegetable Oil Soap-Making Workshop” tailored for women will be organized by the instructors of the IMM (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality) Circular Economy Workshop. During the workshop, participants will be informed about the environmental harms of waste vegetable oils, the importance of recycling and reuse, followed by a hands-on practical session on transforming waste oil into a new product. Announcements regarding participation will be made via our municipality’s social media accounts, and applications will be collected online.

Day 3 – Zero Waste Swap Market and Awareness Presentation

A “Zero Waste Swap Market” is organized to prevent waste generation, promote a culture of reuse, and transform consumption habits. Swap areas will be established for books, toys, and clothing categories, allowing usable items to find a new life instead of being discarded. In addition to the swap event, an informative presentation will be delivered regarding the purpose, importance, and waste reduction goals of the European Week for Waste Reduction. The event aims to re-evaluate existing goods, extend product lifecycles, and reduce excess consumption.

Day 4 – Trivet Making Workshop from Fabric Waste

A “Fabric Waste Trivet Production Workshop” is organized to re-evaluate textile wastes and promote upcycling practices. Within the scope of the workshop, leftover fabric pieces will be creatively repurposed into functional everyday items. Through this hands-on event, the aim is to reduce textile waste, encourage reuse, and raise awareness about upcycling.

Day 5 – Zero-Waste Kitchen and Composting Workshop

A “Zero-Waste Kitchen and Composting Workshop” will be conducted for women by Dr. Özlem Yalçın Çıray from AREL University. The workshop will cover reducing organic waste generated in kitchens, preventing food waste, proper food storage methods, promoting sustainable kitchen consumption, and turning organic wastes into compost. Through practical exercises, the basic stages of composting will be explained, emphasizing the importance of returning organic waste to nature.

Announcement of Events and Participation

All events to be held throughout the five days will be announced via Bakırköy Municipality’s official social media accounts. Necessary information will be provided for workshops and events open to citizens, and participation applications will be accepted via social media where applicable.

General Objective:

 

With the events to be carried out within the scope of the European Week for Waste Reduction, it is aimed to raise zero-waste awareness in Bakırköy; and to disseminate practices such as waste prevention at the source, reuse, swapping, upcycling, recycling, and composting. With the active participation of municipal personnel and residents, the goal is to make eco-friendly and sustainable living an integral part of daily life.