“City of Zero” means: Bicycles and gardens on a green weekend in Lisbon

ANDbetween repairing bicycles, learning to make a garden, changing clothes or watching debates on sustainability are all options to do next weekend in Lisbon, in a “City of Zero”, without garbage or emissions.

In what is considered one of the largest sustainability initiatives in the country, the “City of Zero” joins in Parque Eduardo VII, in the center of the capital, more than 100 activities over the two days, with three areas dedicated to ‘workshops’ and workshops, four thematic spaces (children, food, transform and trade) and more than a hundred brands.

The city of Zero will, in its fourth edition, have four stages (main, mobility, home and waste) each with lectures and conversations related to sustainability.

“What we did this year again is that all the activities, ‘workshops’ and conferences, do not require registration, are not limited and we will have seats for everyone,” Lusa João Barreiros told the organization.

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Compared to other editions, the “City of Zero”, linked to the concept of zero waste and zero emissions, will also have this year, unlike other editions, the stages in the middle of the enclosure, along with the other initiatives, and an expanded restoration zone, according to the person responsible.

The concept “city of zero” materialized in 2022, in the Pavilion of Knowledge, in Lisbon, with 10,000 visitors, and the following year passed to the Cultural Center of Belém, doubling the number of visits. The previous edition, in 2024, at Tapada da Ajuda, had 25,000 people, a number that João Barreiros would like to at least equal next weekend.

João Barreiros highlighted the ease of access, although he regrets the difficulties for those with conditioned mobility. However, he said he was pleased with the support of the Lisbon City Council, which gave way to space, and with the collaboration in the area of mobility, integrated into the European Mobility Week, which runs annually from 16 to 22 September.

The organizer also highlighted in the novelties a permaculture farm, installed in the middle of the Park, with an orchard, herbs, cabbages, chickens and eggs. “Let’s show people what it is possible to do inside a city, on balconies, in minimal spaces,” he said.

The “Zero City” will also lead people to discover and experience solutions to live in a more sustainable way, bringing together companies and projects, organizations and citizens.

On the four stages we will talk about issues such as ecodesign, climate change or energy transition, mobility and transformation of urban spaces, how to make homes more sustainable, or reuse, repair and enhancement of resources.

A trading market (clothes, plants or books), a repair area (such as clothing or small electrical appliances) or a walking library will also be present.

Visitors will be able to learn how to make cookies for dogs and cats, repair a hole in a bicycle, realize how to rehabilitate broken ceramic objects, or see how to reduce waste in the kitchen and learn how to make kombucha and water kephir at home.

People can take to the “city” objects and products to reuse, or donate, and can receive a “voucher” for that. They can be woven, footwear, home textile, small furniture, frames and lamps, tents or sleeping bags, among other objects that can either be restored or gain a new life.

João Barreiros gave other examples of what can be learned in the “city”, such as making candles or turning plastic into objects, or riding a scooter or bicycle.