The PREVENT Waste Alliance brings together various sectors in the north and south and creates new connections, particularly within the economy. Rapid urbanisation and a scarcity of resources make preventing waste, using it further and recycling objects and raw materials a priority concern. For ICLEI, a circular economy is one of the five pathways to urban sustainable development. Bonn’s sustainability strategy focusses on natural resources and the economy. Within Bonn’s project partnerships, waste management has been designated by our partners as a central concern. As a member of the PREVENT Waste Alliance, Bonn hopes to work with ICLEI and its partners in the global south on innovative, urban solutions.
Circular economy cities are of vital importance globally, as in Bonn. City-owned company BonnOrange, together with its academic partners, recently explored the potential of collecting and sorting valuable raw materials. Responsible and resource-sparing consumption is also part of our commitment to greater climate protection. In 2019, Bonn launched a campaign on the use of returnable cups when selling drinks and joined the Green Circular Cities Coalition, an international network of cities committed to strengthened circular economies. Bonn has also provided second-hand shopping guides and an exchange and gift swapping service for a long time now. These initiatives will be further expanded as part of Bonn’s sustainability strategy.