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Zero-waste street experiment by Paris City Hall
Published on 01 April 2021
France
Ile-de-France
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The project of a zero-waste street was one of the 10 projects born from a six-month program concentrated on climate and resilience amongst public officials and inhabitants. Initiated as an experiment to reduce the amount of local waste and to inspire other neighborhoods. The project aims to adopt new consumption patterns by reducing waste and avoiding incineration or landfill waste as much as possible. The amount of residual waste in Paris is above the European average and shall be reduced by better prevention and segregation to meet Paris climate commitments.
Different communication campaigns were designed for inhabitants, office workers, and shop owners. Workshops, visits, drinks, meeting with officials, and conferences were organized to stir commitments, share existing local good practices as well as campaigns from the NGO Zero Waste; an environmental protection NGO specializing in waste reduction.
The zero-waste street project creates an opportunity to change citizen's behavior and to build a flourishing neighborhood promoting more pleasant and sustainable surroundings. The zero-waste street also prepares citizens to implement sustainable change to better adapt anticipated municipal requirements regarding for instance organic waste. The project fosters the use of eco products and services that are already available and growing in many countries (composting, reusable cutlery, etc.)
Different communication campaigns were designed for inhabitants, office workers, and shop owners. Workshops, visits, drinks, meeting with officials, and conferences were organized to stir commitments, share existing local good practices as well as campaigns from the NGO Zero Waste; an environmental protection NGO specializing in waste reduction.
The zero-waste street project creates an opportunity to change citizen's behavior and to build a flourishing neighborhood promoting more pleasant and sustainable surroundings. The zero-waste street also prepares citizens to implement sustainable change to better adapt anticipated municipal requirements regarding for instance organic waste. The project fosters the use of eco products and services that are already available and growing in many countries (composting, reusable cutlery, etc.)
Resources needed
A full-time official project coordinator is necessary to provide strong guidance to facilitate cooperation with the different stakeholders. Campaign and event planning are implemented better with the help of local relevant NGOs with existent campaigns and know-how.
Evidence of success
The amount of municipal residual household waste was reduced by 20% within one year of the experiment. There is enthusiasm and willingness among the citizens; In a neighborhood of 6000, 100 attended the inauguration events, 100 subscribed to the newsletter, and around 1000 participated in the various events organized.
There has been significant press coverage in the form of 10 articles, and the experiment is to be extended to another district in Paris.
There has been significant press coverage in the form of 10 articles, and the experiment is to be extended to another district in Paris.
Potential for learning or transfer
The project is a concept that can be replicated elsewhere. The first step is therefore to make a collaborative local diagnosis to evaluate the common goals of the stakeholders and existing good practices that can easily be shared or enforced. Comprehensive vision and high flexibility are needed to adapt to the very different needs, channels, and availabilities of the stakeholders.
It is hard to find partners that can communicate efficiently with all the different audiences, such as public institutions and inhabitants. The project was lead in collaboration with the NGO zero waste that has many local initiatives around the world. Zero-waste lifestyle is a trendy topic that interests the media and the project therefore benefits from considerable press coverage.
It is hard to find partners that can communicate efficiently with all the different audiences, such as public institutions and inhabitants. The project was lead in collaboration with the NGO zero waste that has many local initiatives around the world. Zero-waste lifestyle is a trendy topic that interests the media and the project therefore benefits from considerable press coverage.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Ville de Paris
France
Ile-de-France
Contact
Community organizer