#017 – Berlin’s first Zero Waste Festival

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?

When looking at the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goals, we quickly notice that we are still far off. Change needs to happen quicker.
How does Zero Waste Berlin Festival do it? By creating a space for citizens, green entrepreneurs and sustainability enthusiasts to connect, learn from each other and combine solutions. We want to bring people together to enable a transfer of knowledge amongst different parts of society. And we think a festival with a relaxed, fun atmosphere is the best way to do it!

What impact do you have?

As a project we try to be as sustainable as possible, but we also need to be sustainable when celebrating our event. Therefore we host the Zero Waste Berlin Festival at Malzfabrik, a space that operates according to sustainable principles. Our festival also provides a platform for projects that align with our pillars: zero waste, circular economy and sustainability. Besides that, we measure our impact in terms of the CO2 emissions related to transport of our attendees, possible waste we may generate, and our energy consumption. This early tracking allows us to reduce our footprint to a minimum and to offset the remainder.

What are your main challenges?

Our main challenge is to reach citizens that still aren’t interested or aware enough of the importance of the current climate conditions. 
Besides that, as an event, we needed to face the current situation. We were unable to celebrate the first edition of the festival and had to hold it virtually instead. Nevertheless, we are preparing for next year. We look forward to having a physical event – of course complying with all regulations.

What gives you reason for optimism for the future?

Just look around to see how many great initiatives and ideas are rising up! We see more and more people starting their entrepreneurial path in sustainability every day. This will definitely influence citizens and inspire everyone to be more sustainable. Also seeing how some of the big corporations are starting to implement sustainable principles in their core activities brings us joy. There still is much to do, but we are positive that it is possible. Especially with a bit of effort from every one of us!

We have curious readers, eager to get active. How can they get involved with your project?

We have many options! If you have a project, brand or company within our core areas, you can be part of the festival and present during our festival days! Just send us an email and we tell you more. 
If you are an individual who wants to get involved with the team, you are more than welcome! We have a very international team and need hands in all areas!

How can they get in touch?

Simply contact us through social media with a message on Instagram or Facebook, or to our email info@zerowasteberlinfestival.com.