26.05.2026 13:20
The Zero Waste Festival, organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will be held at Istanbul Atatürk Airport between June 4-7. The festival will bring together themes of environmental awareness, energy efficiency, technology, art, and sustainable living.
The Zero Waste Festival, launched in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will welcome visitors at Istanbul Ataturk Airport between June 4-7. Aiming to introduce Turkey's sustainability vision to all segments of society, the festival will bring together environmental awareness, energy efficiency, culture, art, and technology under one roof. The festival, considered a new phase of the Zero Waste Movement, which has grown under the auspices of Emine Erdogan, Chair of the United Nations Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board and Honorary Chair of the Zero Waste Foundation, is said to aim at placing an environmentally friendly lifestyle at the center of daily life.
“WE ARE ACHIEVING ANOTHER FIRST IN ISTANBUL”
Samed Ağırbaş, Chair of the Zero Waste Foundation and COP31 High-Level Climate Champion, stated that the organization will be an important milestone for environmental awareness in Turkey. Ağırbaş said, “In line with the vision of Madam Emine Erdogan, we are achieving another first in Istanbul. We aim to host over one million visitors.” Stating that the festival will be held under the theme “Efficiency in Energy, Transformation in the Future,” Ağırbaş expressed their goal of conveying the importance of energy efficiency and sustainable living to young people. It was also announced that the organization is planned to be held annually with a different theme.
WIDE RANGE OF CONTENT FROM ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES TO THE ZERO WASTE KITCHEN
In the thematic areas created within the festival, visitors will encounter upcycling workshops, energy technologies, eco-friendly practices, children's activities, art exhibitions, and sustainable kitchen experiences. Particularly, carbon and water footprint measurement areas and virtual reality-supported experience centers will draw attention. In the technology section prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, many innovative solutions from solar energy systems to smart city applications will be introduced. In the culture and art section of the festival, upcycling fashion shows, digital experience areas, and transformation-themed installations will be featured. In the “Zero Waste Kitchen” area of the festival, famous chefs will prepare waste-free recipes. The organization will also convey composting practices and waste-free production techniques to visitors, and recyclable materials will be used in all catering areas.
FAMOUS ARTISTS WILL TAKE THE STAGE
The social life section of the festival will also include concerts and stage events. Within the program, Sinan Akçıl will perform on June 5, Sefo on June 6, and Buray and Ceza on June 7. Thus, the festival will not only be an environmentally focused organization but also a meeting point for culture and art. Throughout the festival, public institutions, academics, private sector representatives, non-governmental organizations, and international stakeholders will exchange ideas on sustainability policies. The organization aims to make a significant contribution to Turkey's environmental diplomacy and sustainability vision.