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25.05.2011 11:10

EU Green Week 2011

One of the highlights will be the visit to the Solar Impulse aeroplane at Brussels Zaventem Airport

AUTHOR: publics.bg

© krakow.bicycles@flickr.com

As of May 24 Green Week 2011 launches a call for citizens to “use less and live better”,from the EC announced. During the conference’s four days, over 3500 participants will look for ways to use the planet’s resources more sustainably. This year's Green Week gathers participants from a wide variety of backgrounds, including EU institutions, business and industry, non-governmental organisations, public authorities, the scientific community, academia and the media. Some 30 events are scheduled to take place outside Brussels, including events to come in Slovenia (25-27 May, 2 June) and Poland (11 June). The conference is webstreamed in its entirety.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: "Resource efficiency isn't just about constraints and scarcity – it's a vast array of opportunities for growth and jobs with less waste, a cleaner environment, and better, more sustainable choices for consumers. The scope of this year's Green Week is a clear demonstration of the reach of environment policy – it really is fundamental to the way we choose to live our lives."

This year's theme supports the Europe 2020 flagship initiative on resource efficiency, encouraging a shift towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy to achieve sustainable growth. With contributions from across the Commission, the conference palette is broader than ever. Together with discussions on traditional environmental issues like the availability of resources, recycling, biodiversity and soil, the conference will examine issues including the transition to a resource efficient economy; greener chemicals; green skills, employment & innovation; financing eco-innovation; food waste; waste as a resource; water efficiency, construction, and business ideas for the ‘circular economy’.

One of the highlights will be the visit to the Solar Impulse at Brussels Zaventem Airport. Solar Impulse, the first aeroplane designed to fly day and night without requiring fuel and without producing carbon emissions, showcases the potential held by new technologies in terms of energy savings and renewable energy production. It is on display in the European capital from 23 to 29 May 2011.