A panel that brought zero waste into the policy conversation
In September 2024, Zero Waste Austria participated in a panel discussion in Graz: "(Zero) Waste in the City? Between Activism and Urban Agenda", organised by the Waste in Motion (WiM) research network. The panel brought together experts from WiM, representatives of the City of Graz, Zero Waste Austria, and Katja Sres from Ekologi Brez Meja (Slovenia): one of the strongest Zero Waste Europe member organisations. The format is designed to be replicable in other Austrian cities.
What the panel discussion format provides
- A structured dialogue between zero waste advocates, researchers, and city officials
- Cross-border learning: Slovenia's experience via Ekologi Brez Meja adds an EU best-practice dimension
- A public record that zero waste is a legitimate part of urban policy discourse in Graz
- A template that other Austrian cities can use to host similar panels with city council involvement
How to engage
- Austrian municipalities and research institutions: contact Zero Waste Austria or the Waste in Motion research network to organise a similar panel in your city
- Activists and civil society: use the Graz format as a model for connecting with local researchers and city officials: the research network provides academic legitimacy
- Students and academics: engage with the Waste in Motion network and connect zero waste scholarship to local policy advocacy
Why it matters
Zero waste needs a seat at the urban policy table, not just protest outside it. The Graz panel brought advocates, researchers, and city officials into one room, a replicable format for turning activism into municipal agenda.
Source & repost
Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it.
- Lead: Zero Waste Austria: Verein westwinkel + Waste in Motion (WiM) research network + City of Graz
- Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition
Diskussion
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