04.06.2026 16:01
Under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, President of the United Nations Zero Waste High-Level Advisory Board and Honorary President of the Zero Waste Foundation, the Zero Waste approach, which has evolved into a global environmental movement, has gained a new meeting point with the Zero Waste Festival that began today in Istanbul. The festival, organized in collaboration with the Zero Waste Foundation and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, will welcome visitors at Atatürk Airport from June 4 to June 7.
The Zero Waste Festival, held within the scope of the 1-7 June Zero Waste Week under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation and under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, has opened its doors to visitors.
The festival, held on 4-7 June with the theme "Efficiency in Energy, Transformation in the Future," aims to spread a sustainable living culture, increase environmental awareness, and bring zero waste practices to all segments of society.
Day-by-Day Festival Program
On the opening day of the festival, visitors of all ages—from children to youth, families to technology enthusiasts—will meet a variety of colorful events. An impressive performance by sand artist Veysel Çelikdemir, a concert by Fungistanbul using instruments made from recycled materials, and an inspiring show by the world-renowned Recycled Orchestra of Cateura await participants. Throughout the day, talks on nature, sustainable living, and environmental awareness will be held, and in the evening, Rafet El Roman and Mazhar Alanson will take the festival stage to meet music lovers.
On the second day of the festival, children's theater, sand art shows, nature storytelling, and talks on sustainable living await visitors. The evening program will feature concerts by Sinan Akçıl and Emre Aydın.
On Saturday, June 6, besides children's activities, cultural shows, and inspiring talks, beloved Turkish comedian Gökhan Ünver will take the stage. The third day of the festival will end with concerts by Poizi and Sefo.
The last day of the festival will continue with traditional arts, marbling shows, nature-themed talks, and programs contributing to the world of thought. After events featuring names like Hikmet Barutçugil, Kemal Sayar, and Dilek Cesur, concerts by Buray and Ceza will close the festival.
You can access the detailed day-by-day program of the Zero Waste Festival via the link https://sifiratikfestivali.org/tr/program.
Special Experience Centers to Meet Citizens
In the special experience centers set up in the festival area, visitors can measure their carbon and water footprints, examine circular economy practices, and experience the effects of climate change through virtual reality technologies. In the Zero Waste Kitchen area, sustainable gastronomy practices will be introduced by famous chefs, while the Zero Waste Museum area will offer special content questioning production and consumption habits.
Zero Waste Festival Hosts a World First
Hosting a world first, the festival meets all its electricity needs from renewable energy sources, making it the world's first festival with a renewable energy certificate.
The Zero Waste Festival, with free admission, is expected to attract approximately 1 million visitors over four days.
Bringing together environment, culture, art, science, and entertainment under one roof, the Zero Waste Festival stands out as an important meeting point contributing to building a sustainable future.
One of the Most Comprehensive Environmental Organizations
While the festival stands out as one of Turkey's most comprehensive environmental organizations contributing to sustainable development goals, it also emphasizes that the zero waste concept is a holistic lifestyle culture not limited to waste management. Efficient use of resources, energy saving, combating climate change, and spreading responsible consumption habits are among the festival's core messages.
Environmental Awareness to Reach All Segments of Society
In line with the studies carried out by the Zero Waste Foundation, the festival aims to bring environmental awareness to all segments of society. Through events appealing to a wide audience—from children to youth, academics to private sector representatives—the goal is to encourage lasting behavioral changes regarding sustainable living.
The organization, held under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship, creates a strong cooperation ground among public institutions, local governments, universities, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Stakeholders coming together within the festival contribute to strengthening the culture of joint solution production by sharing good practices in the field of environment and sustainability.
Energy Efficiency at the Forefront of the Festival
Thanks to the experience centers set up in the festival area, visitors have the opportunity to measure their environmental impact and closely get to know sustainable living practices. Carbon footprint calculation areas, climate change simulations, circular economy practices, and renewable energy solutions offer important experiences that prioritize energy efficiency and bring environmental awareness from theory to practice.
The festival, where culture, art, and science meet around the theme of environment, contributes to making sustainability a part of society's daily life. The rich program, ranging from concerts to talks, workshops to stage performances, allows environmental awareness to be conveyed to different age groups through effective and inclusive methods.
The festival, reflecting the vision of the Zero Waste Movement initiated under the auspices of Emine Erdoğan and now finding global resonance, highlights that environmental responsibility is a common future issue. The events continuing for four days in Istanbul aim to contribute to increasing individual and social awareness for a cleaner, more livable, and more sustainable world.
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