As our world continues to consume at an ever-increasing rate, the need for effective waste management has never been more critical. Adopting mindful practices like recycling and upcycling can significantly reduce our environmental footprint. The guiding principle is simple yet powerful: the best waste is the waste that isn’t created in the first place!
Our Tips
As individuals, we can make a difference by integrating these habits into our weekly routines:
One of the most effective ways to minimize waste is simply to buy less. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need the item or if it’s just a trend. Reducing the number of items you buy will help you focus on quality over quantity.
Every purchase decision you make has an impact, so prioritize products that align with your values. Avoid impulse buying and choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Recycle well. Also think about the amount of things you throw away when you are out in the unsorted bin. Bring a bag to put your waste in and throw it home by sorting it. If you are a smoker, always bring a portable ashtray with you!
Zero Waste Kit
Carry a zero waste kit with you wherever you go. This might include essentials like a reusable water bottle, bamboo cutlery, reusable shopping bags and a small container for leftovers. Remember, it’s always more sustainable to use what you already have rather than buying new. You can find ideas for replacements here.
Setting up a compost bin for food scraps such as fruit peels, coffee grounds and eggshells is a great way to reduce landfill waste while creating compost for your garden!
Get Creative
Before throwing something away, consider how it might be repurposed. For instance, use glass jars as storage containers.
Plan Your Meals
Planning meals in advance helps you use up leftovers, avoid overbuying perishable items and adopt healthy eating habits.
Buy, Sell or Donate Used Items
Instead of discarding clothes, electronics or household items that are still in good condition, sell them through online marketplaces (like Vinted or Depop) or donate them to local charities or thrift stores. Likewise, when you need something, explore these platforms to prevent buying new stuff!
Opportunities in Bologna
Waste Sorting Guidelines
Get informed with clear, local guidelines on how to properly sort your waste. Keep in mind that even non-recyclable items have specific disposal rules.
Second Life – Area del Riuso di Bologna
It is the place where used items gain a new life: if what you want to throw away still works or has value, why not give it a second chance?
If you no longer need something, it doesn’t mean that others won’t need it and if you need something, it’s not always necessary to buy it!
At Second Life, if you are a resident of Bologna, you can freely and free of charge exchange any household item, as long as it is in good condition. The service is also available to schools, associations, and non-profit organizations authorized by the Municipality of Bologna.
Leila Bologna
Leila is a space where items can be borrowed for free, reducing the need to purchase them. It represents a way of life, a practical approach to transforming everyday habits. This is achieved by saving money, fulfilling your needs, reducing your ecological footprint by minimizing waste and overproduction and fostering trust and a sense of community through the principle of sharing, thereby encouraging active citizenship.
Rusko Repair Cafè
It is a group of people who organize self repair events. You can bring any type of object (even electronics and clothing) and the guys from the association will help you repair it thanks to their knowledge, experience and tools. All accompanied by spritz and crescentine! In fact one of their most common formats is the ape-repair. Follow them on instagram to find out where the next one will be!
Facebook Groups for Trading/Gifting Items
Follow Facebook groups that facilitate the exchange or donation of clothes and other items that might otherwise be discarded.
Here’s where you can buy and exchange used items:
La Piazzola Market (Piazza VIII Agosto)
In Montagnola Park and Piazza VIII Agosto, a weekly market takes place every Friday and Saturday. This market, recognized as one of the most distinctive in Italy, has been officially designated as a Historic Market of Emilia Romagna. It is one of the largest markets in Italy, with 450 stalls. Here, you can discover a wide variety of interesting items, including new products, vintage treasures, second-hand goods, affordable finds and high-quality items.
Ruggine (Vicolo Alemagna, 2c)
This unique store and workshop focuses on upcycling and vintage items. Ruggine offers a variety of furniture and home decor made from reclaimed materials, giving new life to old objects. They also host workshops on how to upcycle and repurpose items yourself.
Humana Vintage (Via Augusto Righi, 16)
Era Ora Market (Vicolo Bolognetti, 2)
Vintage clothing, crafts, accessories, handmade goods and much more.
La Leonarda (Via San Leonardo, 2\2A)
In the shop featured in The New York Times there’s a constant rotation of second-hand clothes and accessories, all available at very affordable prices.
Vinokilo
A sustainable fashion event where you can purchase vintage clothing by the kilo.
Libraccio (Via Oberdan, 7)
Located in the city center, this bookstore offers the opportunity to buy and sell used books.
Stoviglioteca
Stoviglioteca is a service that lets you borrow washable dishes, perfect for throwing the wildest parties at your place while reducing waste, especially plastics and single-use products.
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