Workshop #2: learning by prototyping

On October 24, AMS Institute hosted the second "Learning by prototyping: a multi-stakeholders meeting to develop solutions for plastic pollution in Amsterdam’s waterways" workshop, continuing the initiative to bring together citizens, organizations, and businesses to collaborate on tackling plastic pollution. This workshop was part of Theodoros Vougioukas’ internship project with AMS Institute, aimed at engaging diverse stakeholders in co-developing practical solutions to address the pressing issue of plastic waste in Amsterdam's waterways.

The session began with a warm welcome and refreshments, followed by introduction rounds and a short breathing exercise to set the tone for a collaborative atmosphere. Participants were then introduced to the key findings from the previous workshop, including insights into the “Solving the Urban Plastic Soup” project and the most common items found in Amsterdam’s waterways. This served as a foundation for the discussions that followed.

A presentation from Wageningen researcher Paolo Tasseron provided valuable context for the challenges at hand, leading into an interactive brainstorming session. Participants were divided into groups and tasked with identifying potential solutions to various aspects of plastic pollution. The workshop featured a two-part Prototyping Activity, where attendees brainstormed ideas, received expert feedback, and refined their solutions before presenting them to the group.

The most notable takeaway from this session was the impressive level of engagement and care exhibited by citizens, organizations, and businesses. Everyone was eager to contribute their ideas and insights, demonstrating a shared commitment to solving the problem of plastic pollution in Amsterdam’s waterways.

Key Takeaways

The workshop reinforced the power of community collaboration in solving urban environmental challenges. The diverse group of participants showcased the broad interest in developing tangible solutions and highlighted the importance of continuous engagement and feedback from both citizens and experts.

The event concluded with a strong sense of optimism, as participants left inspired and motivated to continue working together to tackle plastic pollution in Amsterdam. The ideas generated during the workshop will help guide future actions within the “Solving the Urban Plastic Soup” project, ensuring that citizen-driven solutions play a central role in shaping the future of Amsterdam’s waterways.

For any question, don't hesitate to contact project manager Francesca Alberti at francesca.alberti@ams-institute.org