Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
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.
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
The previous mayor was forced out of office following a no-confidence vote in the city council
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The facility will replace the need to have water supplied by tankers from Valencia
Modern traffic lights do more than regulate the flow of vehicles at crossroads, they also collect enormous amounts of data
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The initial legislation didn’t include these public areas as restricted places for smoking pot
These allow car owners to ride for free when heavy winter conditions make driving unsafe
The initial legislation didn’t include these public areas as restricted places for smoking pot
The service will operate during peak hours in the morning and evening
The festivity is also known as the Day of Books and Roses
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
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team