Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler spoke at the Zero Waste Forum 2026, held at Atatürk Airport under the auspices of the Istanbul Governorship and coordinated by the Zero Waste Foundation. In the panel titled "The Right to Repair for a Zero Waste Future," Güler drew attention to issues of environment, resource use, and sustainability.
He stated that with global climate change, protecting the environment and using resources efficiently have become a shared struggle at every level—from individual responsibility to societal awareness, from government policies to international cooperation.
Institutional Practices for Zero Waste
Minister Güler defined the zero waste approach as a strong transformation model based on resource efficiency that protects the environment, generates economic benefits, and makes a concrete contribution to combating climate change. He noted that since 2018, the Ministry of National Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces have been diligently implementing this project across all military units and institutions.
He emphasized their firm commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency practices, explaining that personnel receive training to make the zero waste culture an integral part of the institutional structure.
Güler added that the personnel see protecting the environment and the sustainable use of natural resources as part of their duty while ensuring the country's security.
From Aircraft Maintenance to Environmental Efforts in Barracks
The minister noted that waste from aircraft maintenance activities is managed with modern systems, and necessary measures are taken against potential environmental pollution in seas. He shared that afforestation, environmental landscaping, and gardening efforts continue in barracks, with compost materials used to improve soil quality.
Güler stated that zero waste infrastructure has been established in units and institutions, and batteries, electronic circuits, and other hazardous wastes are recycled or disposed of in accordance with regulations.
He mentioned that energy and resource-saving practices are being expanded in barracks, renewable energy projects are supported, and the use of solar and wind energy systems is increasing. Projects for water conservation and rainwater utilization are also underway.
Digital Transformation and New Energy Projects
Güler said that digital transformation has helped reduce paper consumption, and efforts continue to establish solar and wind power plants on lands allocated to the ministry. He stated that these steps contribute to environmental protection and efficient resource use.
Concluding his speech, he expressed his belief that the forum will foster new collaborations, generate fresh ideas, and help spread environmental awareness to wider audiences.
The forum highlighted not only military applications but also evaluations from figures in various sectors. Ines Alberico, Campaign Manager of Right to Repair Europe, emphasized the importance of transforming product design rather than just consumer access.
Daniel Broche, CEO of Reconomia, explained that they collect and refurbish unused large household appliances through local repair networks, aiming to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by analyzing repairable products with a data-driven system.
Panels titled "Organic Waste at the Source," "Media and Narrative: From Headlines to Consumer Habits," and "From Commitments to Implementation: The Growing Importance of the Climate Action Agenda" were also held as part of the forum. The event continued with sessions on various topics.
