The issue of waste and the impact of tourism on its production are two closely related topics. In an environment, both natural and urban, the impact of standard (not responsible) tourism can lead to several important, negative issues from an environmental, economic and socio-cultural point of view. One of these consequences is incorrect and uncontrolled waste disposal, which causes:
- Subsoil pollution
- Surface water pollution
- Air pollution
- Alterations in the balance of natural life
- Aesthetic-landscape pollution.
The issue of waste in tourist sites is then addressed with the ultimate goal of supporting policy makers in defining effective and innovative waste management strategies, aimed at reducing its production and improving its management. The goal is to move on an operational axis, the pivot of which is represented by a community of practice, a spontaneous and voluntary place of participation that involves citizens and local actors operating in the waste management, tourism and associations. How ecotourism and proper waste management can go hand in hand:
- actions to reduce food waste: involvement of restaurants and hotels with catering services in the implementation of specific actions (e.g. doggy bag, higher prices for leftovers from buffet services) to be promoted through the communication campaign of the project.
- introduction of a brand for the prevention and correct management of waste, with the involvement of accommodation facilities, public establishments and commercial establishments in the implementation of good waste prevention and management practices, with the attribution of a specific brand to be promoted through the communication campaign of the project.
- promotion of the consumption of mains water: advertising of mains water fountains, establishment of a network of bars which offer the free bottle filling service with mains water to be promoted through the communication campaign of the project.
- communication campaigns aimed at addressing some specific criticalities (e.g. information of the workers of commercial establishments and public establishments on the correct collection of waste, sensitization of landlords, etc.).
