Leading academics and city officials from across North America will meet to examine how cities can help reduce impacts of consumption.
This week approximately 50 leading researchers and city policy staff from around the U.S. and Canada will meet in Eugene to delve into the issue of how we can reduce the overall impact of our collective consumption while still meeting needs and fostering prosperity.
The Role of Cities in Advancing Sustainable Consumption is taking place October 29-- November 1. This workshop is not open to the public. The Urban Sustainability Director's Network, in partnership with the Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative, is sponsoring the workshop, hosted by the City of Eugene.
Questions to be considered include: How can we transition to a society that consumes less and consumes differently? What is the unique role of cities in making that happen? What might this shift in consumption look like?
A precise definition for sustainable consumption is still evolving but generally focuses on changes needed in the types of goods and services we consume, how they are produced and marketed, and our purchasing decisions as consumers. This includes:
- Reuse of products.
- Repair and maintenance of products, to extend their useful life.
- Sharing of products and services, including borrowing and rental.
- Use of durable, long-lasting, and upgradable products.
- Use of lower-impact products made using materials and resources that are rapidly renewable, replenishable, and less toxic.
Universities that will be represented include: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); University of California, Berkeley; University of Oregon; Tufts University; University of Maine; University of Texas, Austin; University of British Columbia.
Cities participating include: Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; Santa Monica, CA; Iowa City, IA; San Antonio, TX; Houston, TX; Vancouver, BC; Portland, OR; Flagstaff, AZ; San Jose, CA; Eugene.