GOOD CITIES

Millions of underused consumer goods, such as leisure equipment, tools or home appliances, are hidden in European households, contributing to financial waste, resource depletion, ecosystem destruction, climate change and a growing waste crisis while being rarely used (i.e. a drill is used on average 12 mins in its lifetime). This is the invisible problem. While mobility and housing embrace the sharing economy, goods receive low political priority, despite their significant impact (up to 21% of EU citizens’ consumption-related GHG emissions).

The potential of small initiatives and peer-to-peer platforms is recognized by GOOD CITIES, but these struggle to scale due to inefficiencies, lack of visibility and embeddedness in the urban fabric, and insufficient support from public authorities. European cities, with their existing infrastructure, resources, density and proximity offer an ideal environment, yet lack effective strategies and dedicated managers. This results in ambiguity, limited knowledge on actionable steps, and a lack of collaborative partnerships.

Through coordinating efforts with local stakeholders and leveraging policy instruments, partners aim to significantly reduce the volume of goods and negative consumption-related ecological impacts while improving wellbeing and social cohesion. GOOD CITIES' public authorities will define their role in the sharing economy, establish effective governance mechanisms, learn from and develop good practices, and foster a culture of cooperation. The initiative will empower them to develop comprehensive policies and tools that create trust and space for sharing.

By increasing the visibility of sharing and proactive leadership GOOD CITIES will demonstrate alternatives for a sustainable and efficient approach to consuming goods, ultimately creating a prosperous and resource-conscious future for our cities within planetary boundaries boosting the implementation of EU and local environmental policies.