Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The solution which has been progressing to that end for the past several years proves that there can be a circular business model
EU directives require that member states achieve a 90% collection rate of plastic bottles by 2029. Denmark, however, has just announced that it has already achieved 100% circularity in the collection and recycling of bottles and cans…and it’s only 2023! But how?
The system is run by a privately owned, non-profit organisation known as the Dansk Retursystem (the Danish deposit and return system). The system has reached zero expenses, meaning that producers do not have to pay anything for Dansk Retursystem to take care of their beverage packaging.
That also means that they don’t have to invest in new packaging, and can thus lower their beverage prices to the end consumers. It’s a win-win situation for all, including the environment.
The packaging return system in Denmark has long traditions, going back over a century. However, it is also the willingness of local people and businesses to adapt and embrace change that has fostered positive results.
The cost of operating the Danish return and deposit system has been reduced since 2017. Five years ago, producers had to pay an average of 0,17 DKK per package on the market that Dansk Retursystem had to recycle. Last year, the cost was 0,03 DKK.
“One of the major factors of reaching zero expenses this year is primarily due to the favourable prices for recyclable materials, which are in great demand in the market at the moment,” said Heidi Schütt Larsen, Director of Circular Economy at the non-profit, as quoted by State of Green.
Reaching zero expenses means that the costs of collecting, sorting and preparing the materials for recycling are now matched by the deposit system’s income - including the price that Dansk Retursystem receives for the recyclable materials.
Besides this, it is also due to ongoing adjustments to the system and reducing prices on packaging best suited for recycling.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
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A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital