Global Sustainability Scholar Shayna Feldgus, who is majoring in finance and minoring in psychology, studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She used her time abroad to learn more about circular economies and zero-waste living so that she can address overconsumption and environmental disconnection in her community. Interested students can apply to become a Global Sustainability Scholar by September 15!

As soon as I arrived, I was captivated by Florence, Italy’s historic charm, and I was equally
fascinated by the way it combined its rich past with cutting-edge sustainable practices. Florence
may be well known worldwide for its Renaissance buildings and artwork, but the city is also
making steady progress toward a more environmentally friendly future. With projects aimed at
better waste management, better air quality, and more public transit alternatives, Florence has
committed to aligning with the European Union’s 2030 climate goals.

Santo Spirito

Just over the Arno River in the Oltrarno area of Florence is Santo Spirito, one of the most
fascinating and lively districts I visited. It feels different from the tourist-heavy areas around the
Duomo or Piazza della Signoria, even though it is technically in the city center. In addition to its
increasing dedication to sustainability, Santo Spirito has a strong sense of local identity, a
lived-in energy, and a noticeable emphasis on community life.

Piazza Santo Spirito is among my favorite features of Santo Spirito. Locals gather there on
weekdays to read, converse, and relax beneath the trees. On weekends, however, it becomes a
bustling outdoor marketplace. I went to a Sunday market where people were selling upcycled
crafts, natural cosmetics, handmade soaps, and organic produce. Knowing exactly where and
who created the products, like a tiny jar of local honey or some zero-waste olive oil soap, gave
them greater significance to me.

Here, sustainability is woven into the rhythms of everyday life rather than feeling performative.
Many of the local stores and eateries post signs indicating the origins of their ingredients and
urge patrons to bring their own packaging. Il Santo Vino, a tiny wine boutique on Borgo Tegolaio,
sells regional Tuscan wines by the liter, which quickly caught my attention. The best part? To
refill, you can either bring your bottle or, for a tiny fee, borrow one. It is entirely waste-free,
personal, and reasonably priced. The owner gave samples and described the vineyards from
which the wines were sourced. Because of this encounter, buying wine felt like more than just a
transaction—it felt like a tiny act of environmental participation.

Reusing old spaces was another aspect of sustainability that caught my attention. Numerous
cafés, pubs, and art studios in this area are housed in structures that date back hundreds of years.
There is a notion of adaptive reuse—respecting the space’s historic elements while giving them
new life, instead of demolishing them. Even the furniture frequently has an antique or recycled
appearance. I saw flyers for a poetry reading held in a former wine cellar that had been converted
into a communal gathering space!

Secondhand Shops

Although Florence is well known for its high-end fashion, it has a thriving secondhand market
scene. I looked around the city’s many charity shops, vintage boutiques, and thrift stores.
Although a little pricey, Melrose Vintage had a fantastic assortment of carefully chosen vintage
items.

I also discovered Humana Vintage, a division of the Humana People to People foundation. This
organization reinvests its income back into development initiatives, and the prices are more
reasonable here. Moreover, every Sunday in Piazza Santo Spirito, there were clothing flea
markets with tons of hidden gems.

Secondhand shopping in Florence actively contributes to the city’s zero-waste objectives.
Thrifting here contributes to a circular economy, trash reduction, and a reduction in the carbon
footprint connected with fast fashion. Ethical consumption is becoming increasingly popular
among both locals and visitors, making vintage shopping not only fashionable but also capable of having a positive social and environmental impact.

Mercato delle Cascine

The largest outdoor market in Florence, Mercato delle Cascine, takes place every Tuesday and
runs through Parco delle Cascine. From locally grown fruit to used apparel to home products, it
has it all. I spent only a few euros on a vintage sweatshirt.

The market plays a significant part in sustainability by encouraging reuse, assisting regional food
systems, and cutting down on packaging waste. Locals congregate in this vibrant,
neighborhood-focused area not only to shop but also to socialize. It is an example of a circular
economy in operation.

Green Go Firenze – Refill and Zero-Waste Store

I discovered Green Go Firenze, a contemporary zero-waste and refill store nestled between
artisan studios and quaint cafes, while exploring the Oltrarno neighborhood. Reusable containers,
sustainable personal care products, bulk dry goods, and refillable cleaning supplies are just a few
of the store’s many environmentally friendly offerings. Thanks to the tidy, welcoming layout, it
was easy to peruse, and the staff was happy to explain how everything worked.

The product quality was excellent, and the prices were reasonable. In addition to lectures and
community events focused on sustainable living, they even provided bulk plant-based soaps and
household cleaners.

Stay Local Pledge

During two weekends in March, rather than traveling to Rome or Milan with friends, I decided to
stay in Florence and support local events and businesses. On Saturday, I wandered around the
parks of Florence that I had not explored yet, immersing myself in the beauty of the Villa Bardini
Gardens. I ate dinner on a rooftop, shopped secondhand, and on Sunday, I spent hours at the
Piazza Santo Spirito flea market.

That evening, I hiked up Piazzale Michelangiolo. The hilltop was full of people enjoying local
food and wine while listening to live music, watching the sunset over the Florence skyline. It felt
like a celebration of place, reminding me of how vibrant and self-sufficient a city can be when
you choose to stay put and engage locally.

Cibrèo Trattoria – Ethical Dining

I also had the chance to explore Cibrèo Trattoria, a Florence institution that emphasizes
locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant works with regional farmers and small
producers to minimize food waste and support sustainable agriculture. They pride themselves on
meals that are both delicious and eco-conscious.

The owner is deeply committed to the “slow food” movement, which originated in Italy and
promotes sustainable farming, biodiversity, and traditional cooking.

The Big Event – Citywide Sustainability Festival

What I truly appreciated about studying abroad at ISI Florence is that they promoted tons of
city-wide, locally loved activities for us to participate in, helping us immerse ourselves in the
Florentine culture. Check out this link to learn more about the “Big Event,” Fall 2024.

Once or twice a semester, Florence’s study abroad programs unite on the “Big Event” day to
demonstrate to the public the beneficial effects that American students can have on the
neighborhood. In a massive, well-publicized endeavor, students donate their time to clear trash
from the streets, clean up graffiti, and remove stickers from street poles, thereby improving the
condition of the city.

I gained a greater understanding of Florence and my place in it as a result of taking part in the
event. Equipped with gloves and sponges, my team collaborated with others to clean the historic
center’s walls and collect trash. People from the neighborhood thanked us as they passed, which
added to the significance of the endeavor. It was a fulfilling and cohesive event that brought
together sustainability, cultural ties, and service in a way that felt significant and intimate.