GreenBuzz Berlin is on a mission! This post is part of our 100 Sustainable Solutions initiative. Learn more about it here.
Why does your organisation exist?
We set out to reorganize the economic system in a way that enables us to end the most urgent global problems we face: climate change and inequality. We are tired of demanding this change from authorities, institutions and populations. Instead, we want to bring about change since we have the power to do so. Our aim is to connect people who are willing to stand up for this change: To collectively create structures for a sustainable future – step by step, store by store.
What impact do you have?
We started by setting up organic grocery stores. All the profits are donated to highly effective NGOs fighting the most urgent global problems. If 3.4% of the global economy would follow this principle, we could end extreme poverty. We believe, however, that an even greater impact can be achieved by pursuing exponential growth of our movement and structures. The structures we set up replace private capitalism, the cause of most problems, tackling the problem at its root!
What are your main challenges? (Now and in the foreseeable future.)
Our main challenge is organizing our project horizontally and participative. Our main driver is remaining effective, smart and responsive at the same time. The system we’re creating disperses power. But doing this while safeguarding key principles (thinking globally!) and a high level of professionalism isn’t always easy. Especially when working in a big group with a minimal commitment of 3 hours per month.
What gives you reason for optimism for the future?
In the past months, people have proven eager to support our movement, which has allowed rapid growth. Assuming that people who proactively desire this change are found beyond Neukölln and Berlin, we can continue growing. Our pace of growth needs to bring about transformation at a speed matching the challenges of our time.
Our idea is to connect enough people to start moving in the desired direction. We hope to make an immediate impact as well as have huge effects down the line. All without forming global political alliances or majorities first. It fill us with optimism that this vision is seen and shared!
We have curious readers, eager to get active. How can they get involved with your project?
You can participate in many ways! We just opened an online store delivering organic food by e-bike to new members in Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Members get up to 20% discount and support the growth of the movement with a minimum of 1% of their income or three hours of work per month. Tasks can be low-commitment: bike delivery or helping build our new store at the Maybachufer. Members who want to be more involved can take on roles with responsibility, discuss open questions or kick-start new projects.
How can they get in touch?
Check out our website or swing by our first store at Altenbraker Straße 15 in Berlin.
