Sustainability in Valencia
During my time in Valencia, I have noticed numerous sustainability practices that differ from those I am accustomed to in Madison. In one of my courses, The Economy of the European Union, we have been discussing the EU’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative was established in September 2015 and includes 17 general sustainable development goals now held by each country within the EU. Many of the practices I have observed exist as a result of Spain’s participation in this sustainability initiative.
On an infrastructural level, Valencia is well-equipped for sustainable transport. The public transport system is extensive and multidimensional. Bus, tram, and metro stops are scattered everywhere throughout the city. The metro and tram systems together cover more than 100 miles, so nearly every destination has a public transport option nearby. In addition to these, another popular choice of travel within Valencia is called Valenbisi. This is a system of electric bicycles whose presence also reaches across the city. It is an extremely popular choice among students, with multiple charging locations located on campus and affordable pricing – €30 per year! Furthermore, bike lanes throughout the city are well-established, making Valenbisi a convenient and safe option for travel.
Within the last month, I have also noticed an effort by those in Valencia to reduce general waste production and to better handle the waste that is produced. Unlike what I have observed in the US, people here don’t pack their lunches in any kind of plastic. The most common choices are reusable lunch containers or tinfoil to package sandwiches, trail mix, veggies, etc. Related to plastic reduction, grocery bags here are not free. While the charge is less than one euro per plastic bag, it’s enough of a deterrent that most Valencian shoppers are equipped with a reusable bag or opt to carry their items without a bag. While I always made an effort to bring a bag grocery shopping in Madison, it’s now a strong habit of mine that I aim to maintain once I return to the US.
Finally, another sustainability practice that I have noticed in Valencia that differs from Madison is the system of separation of waste. In virtually every location where there is a waste container in public, there are separate collections going for plastics, paper, glass, and organic materials. This separation allows for improved recycling practices, with the goal being to reduce the amount of waste that makes its way into landfills. While many US cities have implemented similar systems of waste collection, it is obvious to me that a great effort has been made to make waste separation accessible and convenient in Valencia.
Caitriona Treacy
Majors: Biomedical Engineering & Spanish
Hometown: Mukwonago, Wisconsin
Program: Spain, Valencia / Universidad Politecnica de Valencia Engineering Exchange