An informative presentation was delivered to students of the Faculty of Medicine at Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) by Tatlısu Mayor Hayri Orçan within the scope of the “Zero Waste Target” Project, which is regarded as one of Northern Cyprus’s exemplary initiatives. The event was organized within the scope of “İklim Değişikliği: İnsan Sağlığına Etkileri ve Sürdürülebilir Yaşam / Climate Change: Its Impacts on Human Health and Sustainable Living” elective course carried out by EMU Medicine Faculty Senior Instructor Özge Eker. By emphasizing the close link between environmental health and public health, the presentation sought to enhance awareness in this field. The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Güzoğlu, as well as academic staff and students.
“Zero Waste Concept is not limited to Environmental Cleanliness”
In his presentation, Orçan underlined that the zero-waste concept is not limited to environmental cleanliness, stressing that effective waste management makes a vital contribution to protecting natural resources, enhancing environmental sustainability, and addressing climate change. He explained that the unit recycles 11 different waste categories, with plastic, glass, and paper being separated at the source, while used cooking oils are collected from households and managed in an environmentally responsible way.
Orçan emphasized that the reuse of kitchen and green waste in recovery systems helps both to decrease waste amounts and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He cautioned that improperly discarded vegetable oils can lead to severe water and soil pollution, and noted that there are plans to soon launch pet food production by making use of waste collected mainly from local restaurants.
Orçan explained that the financial revenue obtained from recycling activities allow the project to maintain itself independently, underscoring that the “Zero Waste Target” Project represents a durable and sustainable approach to environmental management. The presentation ended with a Q&A session with the students.