The popular summer event, which has traditionally brought new life to the old town center, has once again set new milestones in the sustainable organization of events this year.
Brežice City Promenade remains the longest-running event in Slovenia with such a distinguished recognition.
The achievement of the Zero Waste Event title is a result of consistent commitment to green practices and close collaboration with all event stakeholders. Every evening, we weighed the waste, sorted it by fraction, and tracked set goals to identify areas for improvement in the coming years. Over the 10-day event, which attracted a record-breaking 17,000 visitors, we collected 536 kg of waste, achieving a 95.56% separation rate. Although the total waste increased by 51 kg due to 6,000 additional visitors, the waste per visitor dropped by 28% (from 44 g to 32 g), an outstanding result compared to similar events in Slovenia.
Innovative Solutions for Reducing Waste
This year, the organizers implemented some previous solutions while introducing new innovations to minimize waste and improve environmental awareness among visitors. Key initiatives included the use of reusable cups, sealed waste bins decorated with flowers to encourage proper sorting, and playful cigarette disposal bins designed as voting boxes, making responsible cigarette butt disposal engaging for attendees.
A vital part of the event was the "Green Patrol," a group of volunteers recognized by their green T-shirts, who ensured proper waste separation and collection with a smile. A water refill station in the form of the iconic Water Tower was also available, while all tables featured labels directing visitors to the nearest eco-points. Additionally, the event introduced jingles – short audio messages raising awareness about green practices, such as the refill station, reusable cups, and the event's eco-friendly concept.
International Collaboration and Youth Engagement
This year, the "Green Patrol" included 10 young volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps representing five countries, supported by the European Union. Their participation brought an international dimension to the event, highlighting the importance of intercultural collaboration in tackling global challenges like sustainability.
As part of the Out of the City project, ZPTM Brežice hosted a five-day study visit for youth workers from Slovenia, Serbia, Italy, and Romania. Participants engaged in experiential learning, exploring good practices and attending the 2024 Village Games in Brežice. They also visited rural youth centers and NGOs, discussing the challenges they face and the solutions they implement at both local and national levels.
Greening the Town Center and Supporting the Local Community
This year's Brežice City Promenade featured new elements contributing to its sustainable orientation. The venue was adorned with shrubs, transforming it into a pleasant and environmentally friendly space. The stage was repositioned to give performers a stunning view of Sveti Vid, enhancing the experience for both artists and visitors.
The event's first day focused on local cuisine with the introduction of Street Food Kitchen, showcasing vendors from the Brežice Selection brand. Visitors enjoyed delicious dishes prepared by local restaurateurs while being entertained by Nuša Derenda and the Tamburitza Orchestra Artiče.
Green Tips for Visitors
Organizers encouraged attendees to adopt sustainable behaviors through green tips, such as arriving by bike, conserving natural resources, and shopping locally. These practices were easily implemented thanks to local product vendors present each evening. Visitors were also urged to use the refill station, reducing plastic bottle usage and contributing to waste reduction.
Commitment to Sustainability
We aspire for the Brežice City Promenade to remain an exemplary eco-friendly event, connecting the local community while serving as an inspiration for the broader region. Through continuous education and raising awareness about waste management, we aim to transform habits and enhance environmental consciousness among residents and visitors alike.
Despite our successes, we are aware of challenges such as increasing visitor numbers, waste reduction, collaboration with vendors, and the proper placement of waste bins in crowded areas. We are already brainstorming new solutions and improvements for next year to further enhance the sustainability of Brežice City Promenade and maintain its position as a leading sustainable event in Slovenia.