Türkiye championed the ‘Zero Waste’ resolution at the UN General Assembly, a pivotal element of the sustainable development agenda.
The annual International Zero Waste Day (March 30th) represents a collective endeavour to ensure that future generations inherit a clean and habitable planet through waste management.
The Zero Waste Movement promotes Türkiye’s initiatives globally. It aims to prevent waste, reduce harmful waste, boost recycling rates, save money, utilize natural resources efficiently, and support sustainable development.
Türkiye has two pivotal elements to its Zero Waste ambitions: Waste-Free Cuisine and Sustainable Tourism.
Waste-Free and Minimal-Waste Turkish Cuisine
Waste-free cuisine is a critical component of a ecological lifestyle. As less waste is generated in the kitchen daily, a waste-free society and greener world becomes possible. Zero-waste restaurants, which are fundamental for enviormentally friendly food and the future, is a critical element in Turkish cuisine. Türkiye has a green gastronomy on both an ecological and cultural level.
Nourished by Türkiye’s fertile geography and Anatolia’s rich cultural heritage, ancient Turkish culinary traditions use everything and produce no waste.. For example, vegetable peels are used in salads or on their own, while fruit peels can be made into jams. It contributes to a more sustainable future by encouraging a lifestyle that considers environmental and social responsibilities and better uses of food resources.
Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Programme and Sustainable Transformation in Tourism
In 2022, Türkiye became the first country in the world to sign a governmental agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), which establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Starting with accommodations, the programme expands to tour operators and destinations to incorporate sustainability principles across the tourism ecosystem. As of March 25th, 2024, the total number of documented/certified accommodation facilities in Türkiye reached 17,393, with 871 certified, and the objective of all facilities in Türkiye to obtain the Sustainable Tourism Certificate by 2030. Waste management (reducing, separating, reusing and recycling waste), a requirement of Türkiye’s Sustainable Tourism Programme, is also a condition of the Zero Waste Movement to protect the environment. As a result, the Sustainable Tourism Programme, strengthens Türkiye’s zero-waste efforts and serves as an essential model for environmentally friendly cities and tourism.
