In Spain, VOICES focus groups highlighted what needs to change for a zero waste society, in terms of citizenship, policy, and research and innovation. The VOICES public event in Granada builds on these outcomes, with a Maker Faire, debates, workshops, pavilions and a range of exhibitions, bringing together the public, schools, research centres, politicians, universities, artists and craftsman to see how we can truly make the most of urban waste as innovation.

CCSTI Grenoble will organize a VOICES public event as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction. The VOICES consultation showed French citizens are particularly concerned about product lifespan. To look more closely at this issue, a week of repair and reuse activities will be held in different local associations: concrete workshops or demonstrations about how to repair, reuse collect and sell waste objects. Open door events and workshops will give concrete examples of how Grenoble can deal with its urban waste, innovating in order to make waste a resource.

Naples is a city that has had more than its fair share of experience on the topic of urban waste. During the waste crisis that peaked in the summer of 2008, the science centre Città della Scienza played a crucial role as an interface for the public, researchers and city government.

“Science for an informed,sustainable and inclusive knowledge society” is a new report from European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso’s Science and Technology Advisory Council .