CommunityBrusselsLaunch a neighbourhood skills auditMap who can teach what on your block Energy cooperatives and ecofeminist networks both start by asking: which skills already live here? REScoop.eu trains starters to inventory local expertise before building projects. WECF partners use similar audits to match mentors with women entering climate work. What you can do - Download starter guidance from REScoop.eu services and list skills your street could share - Facilitate a one-evening audit: repairs, childcare, translation, solar wiring, gardening - Pair two neighbours for a skill swap and log what equipment a future hub would need How it works Volunteers collect offers and requests on a wall or shared spreadsheet. Coordinators connect matches and note gaps for workshops or tool libraries. The audit repeats each season as people join or learn. Why it matters Mutual aid scales when skills are visible. Audits surface elders, migrants, and carers whose know-how rarely appears on job sites. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: REScoop.eu · WECF.skillsauditmutual-aid +2
RewildingBrusselsExplore Wallonia's Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse wild parkWalk wetlands, grasslands, and free-flowing rivers in southern Belgium Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse National Park joined the European Rewilding Network in June 2026. Across about 22,000 hectares of Fagne, Calestienne, and Ardenne landscapes, the park expands strictly protected forest, restores river dynamics, and brings back natural grazing while opening nature-based tourism. What you can do - Plan a visit through park discovery points and the Aquascope Virelles gateway area (Chimay, Couvin, Froidchapelle, Momignies, Viroinval municipalities) - Look for guided walks and observation towers as the 2026 visitor programme rolls out - Follow the ERN welcome story on Rewilding Europe How it works Park teams protect forest cores, improve human-wildlife coexistence, and share lessons with other Wilder Parks. Day visitors stay on marked routes so grazing herds and returning predators have room. Why it matters One of Wallonia's first national parks can show how people and wolves, beavers, and black storks share a recovered landscape. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: Rewilding Europe: three protected areas join ERN · Park overview: National Park Entre-Sambre-et-Meuse. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.Belgiumnational parkERN +2
CommunityBrusselsBrussels zero waste events action planMaking every public event in Brussels waste-free Zero Waste Belgium developed a comprehensive strategic action plan for zero waste events across Brussels: covering event logistics, supplier requirements, reuse system specifications, and transition guidance for organisers. The plan, built from extensive research and cross-city case studies, is designed for full implementation in 2025. What the plan covers - Reuse requirements for cups, plates, and food packaging at public events - Case studies from cities across Europe that have already mandated zero waste events - Legal framework summary so event organisers understand their obligations - Practical tools and templates for municipalities and venue managers How to engage - Event organisers in Brussels: contact Zero Waste Belgium for support implementing zero waste standards at your event - Municipalities: request a copy of the action plan to adapt it for your local authority - Residents: ask your borough council whether events in your neighbourhood already follow zero waste guidelines Why it matters Public events generate disproportionate single-use waste in short bursts. A city-wide action plan removes the ambiguity: every organiser knows what is expected, every supplier knows what to offer, and every resident can expect a consistent experience across Brussels' festivals, markets, and fairs. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. - Lead organisation: Zero Waste Belgium - Partner: City of Brussels - Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th editioneventsreusepolicy +2
Repair & ReuseBrusselsSTICT: replicating textile waste prevention in BrusselsA city learning from the best textile programmes in Europe Brussels is participating in the STICT project (Sustainable Textile Innovation and Circular Transition), which compiles best-practice models for textile waste prevention and management and works with cities to implement and replicate them. Zero Waste Belgium leads the Brussels partnership, bringing evidence-based strategies to local authorities and businesses. What the project does - Documents the most effective textile collection, repair, and resale models from across Europe - Works with Brussels authorities to implement scalable textile waste prevention measures - Provides a replication toolkit so other cities can adopt proven approaches without starting from scratch - Connects local repair workshops, clothing swaps, and upcycling organisations into the city's circular textile network How to engage - Brussels residents: find local textile repair workshops and clothing swap events through Zero Waste Belgium - Textile businesses and retailers in Brussels: contact Zero Waste Belgium about participating in the STICT circular model - Other municipalities: request the STICT replication toolkit to adapt the Brussels approach to your context Why it matters Textiles are among the fastest-growing waste streams in Europe. Brussels joining STICT means a dense, fashion-forward city is building infrastructure for repair and reuse: sending a signal to the industry and giving residents real alternatives to disposal. 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 Belgium + STICT project partners - Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th editiontextilesreuseprevention +2
RewildingBrusselsRewild river corridors by removing fish passage barriersFree rivers so fish can roam again Dam Removal Europe connects communities tearing down obsolete weirs and culverts so eels, trout, and lamprey reach headwaters across the continent. What you can do - Explore the Dam Removal Europe map and advocate for a barrier near you - Read the Slovakia barrier removal guide for a step-by-step community playbook - Join local river trusts on barrier surveys: photograph choke points and share them with councils How it works Engineers and ecologists score barriers by impact and cost. Volunteer testimony about lost fishing and flooding speeds permits and funding. Why it matters Open rivers knit landscapes together: fish return, sediment moves naturally, and kids discover pools that were blocked for generations. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: Dam Removal Europe · Guide: Freeing Slovakia's Rivers. Photo: Rob Kleinjans / Dam Removal Europe.dam removalriverfish +1
CommunityBrusselsJoin a women-led energy cooperativeShare ownership of solar and keep bills fair REScoop.eu highlights citizen energy projects where women lead the transition: from Roma-led solar in Hungary to Belgian co-ops that cap prices for households. The pattern is the same: neighbours own the panels, share the skills, and decide together. What you can do - Read the women-led energy transition story from the Lightbringers Foundation - Browse REScoop.eu success stories for a cooperative near you - Contact REScoop.eu if your group wants starter guidance for a new energy community How it works Residents form or join a cooperative, invest in local renewables, and buy electricity at cost. Training workshops pass installation and maintenance skills to women who are often left out of energy decisions. Why it matters Community-owned power cuts energy poverty without waiting for distant utilities. When women hold tools and votes, the transition stays local and just. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: REScoop.eu · Story: Women leading the energy transition. Photo: Westmill Wind Farm (CC BY-SA 2.0).energycooperativewomen +2
BrusselsData a definirREScoop community energy starter briefingLearn how to launch a citizen energy cooperative REScoop.eu runs briefings and training for groups starting renewable cooperatives: legal forms, member outreach, and gender-inclusive governance. When & where - Online and in-person sessions across Europe; see REScoop.eu news and events - Approximate pin: 50.8450, 4.3500 (Brussels federation hub) How to participate - Subscribe to The Scoop newsletter for upcoming starter events - Request tailored coaching via REScoop.eu services - Bring three neighbours to map local rooftops or hydro sites before the session Why it matters Starter briefings turn inspiration from success stories into a concrete founding timeline. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: REScoop.eu. Photo: Photovoltaic Community (CC BY-SA 2.0).
BrusselsData a definirCommunity Land Trust Brussels open information sessionJoin a CLTB candidate-homeowner info session Attending an information meeting is required before CLTB considers your registration. Staff explain how land stays in trust, what resale formulas apply, and how residents co-manage their buildings. When & where - Recurring sessions in Brussels; register via the CLTB homepage - Approximate pin: 50.8503, 4.3517 (Brussels office hub) How to participate - Register online for the next French-language session (translation support varies by date) - Bring questions about income eligibility, purchase price, and resident commitments - Follow up with project visits once you understand the ground-lease model Why it matters Info sessions demystify community land trusts for households priced out of the private market. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: Community Land Trust Brussels. Photo: Logements sociaux du Foyer Laekenois (CC BY-SA 4.0).
BrusselsData a definirSolidarity economy fair — join a local exchange networkMeet co-ops and mutual-aid groups in one room RIPESS Europe members and allies run local fairs where worker co-ops, time banks, and fair-trade producers share stalls, workshops, and signup sheets. When & where - Seasonal fairs across Brussels and partner cities; check RIPESS Europe news for dates - Approximate pin: 50.8450, 4.3500 (Brussels solidarity economy hub) How to participate - Visit stalls with a notebook: note three groups you could volunteer with or buy from - Join short workshops on cooperative statutes or time-credit onboarding - Sign up for a follow-up orientation with the group that fits your skills Why it matters Fairs turn abstract "solidarity economy" language into faces, samples, and membership forms you can act on the same day. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: RIPESS Europe. Photo: Financial Community Fall Fair02.jpg) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
BrusselsData a definirEuropean Youth Energy Forum (annual)Europe's flagship youth energy gathering The European Youth Energy Forum (EYEF) is EYEN's annual forum where young professionals and students from across Europe meet to shape the youth voice on clean energy. Delegates discuss policy, share project outcomes, and build cross-border collaborations that continue in local chapters year-round. When & where - Pan-European event; EYEN is headquartered in Brussels (approximate pin: 50.8503, 4.3517) - Venue varies by edition, check EYEN communications for the next dates How to participate - Apply to attend or volunteer through EYEN, Events and Join us pages - Youth-led member organisations can propose sessions and workshops - Follow EYEN on LinkedIn for open calls before each forum Why it matters Cross-border youth energy forums turn isolated local projects into a shared playbook, delegates bring home contacts, not just inspiration. Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. Source: European Youth Energy Network (EYEN), European Youth Energy Forum.
BrusselsData a definirBrussels eco-crèche: washable nappies in city day-careCloth nappies in every crèche: 1,400 tonnes of CO₂ avoided The City of Brussels implemented washable nappies in municipal day-care centres (crèches), replacing single-use disposable nappies. Zero Waste Belgium documented the programme and published a comprehensive best-practice guide in 2024, giving other municipalities a clear blueprint to replicate the project. Impact - Estimated 1,400 tonnes CO₂ avoided over 4-6 years - Approximately €80,000/year saved in waste collection costs - Replicable model: the best-practice guide is publicly available for other cities Where - City of Brussels municipal crèches (city-wide programme); approximate pin at city centre How to participate - Parents with children in Brussels crèches: ask your crèche coordinator whether washable nappies are available and how to use them - Municipalities and crèche operators: download the best-practice guide from Zero Waste Belgium and contact them for implementation support - Policy advocates: cite the €80,000/year saving in conversations with local councillors about childcare waste policy 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 Belgium + City of Brussels - Best-practice guide: published 2024 by Zero Waste Belgium - Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition
BrusselsData a definirReusable Packaging Fair 2024: 480 visitors, 55 speakersWhere municipalities meet reuse solutions The second edition of the Reusable Packaging Fair (Salon de l'emballage réemployable) brought together over 480 visitors, 55 speakers, and 25 exhibition stands focused on reuse solutions for the HORECA sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafés). Organised by Fair Resource Foundation, the fair directly connected municipalities seeking inspiration with businesses and organisations that have already made reuse work. When & where - Belgium (Brussels area); exact venue per edition, follow Fair Resource Foundation for next edition dates - 2024 edition: 480 visitors, 55 speakers, 25 exhibition stands (recurring fair pattern) How to participate - HORECA businesses: attend the fair to discover reuse system providers and understand the regulatory direction - Municipalities: send your sustainability officer to meet solution providers and peer cities - Reuse solution providers: exhibit at the next edition: contact Fair Resource Foundation for exhibitor information Source & repost Shared here so you can get inspired or find action already happening near you. Solarpunker does not own or organise it. - Organiser: Fair Resource Foundation - Report chapter: ZWE State of Zero Waste Municipalities, 5th edition
