Second hand, rental offers and upcycling
We have put together our favorite shops, ideas and innovations for you, where you can get lots of beautiful or useful things and at the same time protect the environment. Because every consumer can make a contribution through more conscious consumption and save the consumption of raw materials and energy and reduce emissions. In the best case scenario, circular products no longer produce any waste and can remain in use permanently. Rebecca Tauer from WWF Germany says: “With a comprehensive circular economy, we will save almost a third of greenhouse gas emissions, resources and land area by 2045.” So have fun sharing, borrowing and reusing.
A search engine for those who don't like flea markets
The Faircado It is a free browser extension that checks the internet for used alternatives simultaneously with the search query. When searching, the tool uses 55 second-hand platforms with over ten million products. This means you can immediately see different preloved options for the item you are looking for. This invention even has one for the Belgian Evoléna de Wilde d'Estmael and her co-managing director Ali Nezamolmaleki in 2022 Federal Government Prize brought in. According to Faircado, when you buy second hand you save up to ninety percent of the emissions that would have been caused by new production and up to seventy percent of the original price. This helps the environment and protects your wallet at the same time.
Borrow really nice things for children for as long as you need them
Kristina and Manuel Heinemann from Berlin have Nomads founded because they would have wanted such an option as parents of three children. A digital platform with really nice toys and everyday items that you can borrow, which you can then return if your interests or needs have changed. This means everyone can afford nice things for their children without spending a fortune and without having a lot of discarded things lying around in the apartment or basement. The range includes, for example, high chairs and buggies, play kitchens, hobby horses and building blocks. Once returned, everything will be carefully cleaned and repaired before it can be rented out again
A GOOD CONSCIENCE FOR FASHION VICTIMS
For people who love fashion and at the same time know that most labels still do not produce fairly, resource-saving and sustainably clothing store - as an innovative alternative to so-called fast fashion (fashion that is designed according to trends and is produced and sold as cheaply as possible). The clothing company was founded in Hamburg in 2012 as Germany's first fashion sharing model. Today there are stores in Berlin, Cologne, Freiburg and Stuttgart. Sharing clothes with others in the community not only extends the lifespan and use of all items, but also adds variety to your own wardrobe. In addition to the second-hand clothing, there are also a few selected new models from popular eco-labels. Sustainability and fashion should and can be fun.
NEIGHBORHOOD HELP WITH COOL STICKERS
A really resourceful idea comes from Switzerland and emphasizes the neighborly spirit. Who doesn't know this: you make raclette once a year and the rest of the year the bowls fall on your head when you open the full kitchen cupboard or you can't even get to the device because the waffle iron, which is also neglected, blocks the way. pump pump has found a practical and charming solution to this everyday problem - fifty stickers with pictograms of objects for the mailbox (for a one-off price of seven euros). This is how you show your neighbors what you like to lend. From A for subscription to Z for tent. For example, the stickers feature a rubber boat, pasta machine, disco ball, sled, ironing board, drill, lawn mower, projector or guitar. There are also five blank stickers for additions. And so you'll quickly get into conversation with the neighbors, who might pull out completely different treasures from their broom closet. There is also a digital map of Europe - for the extended neighborhood, so to speak - with things that people in your area like to lend out.
How old cars become new adventures
The Cologne start-up Airpak has the 2022 German Sustainability Award won. Cool and waterproof backpacks are designed here from recycled airbags, seat belts and belt buckles, which are guaranteed to consist of 70-85 percent (depending on material availability) from recycled material. The company gets this from scrap yards or it is the rejects of a large manufacturer of so-called automotive security systems. And of course you can return the backpack at the end of use, which means the materials of the circular economy are preserved. At best, the journey for the material can continue forever.
© Photos: Unsplash / girl-with-red-hat
Geraldine Voss
Geraldine works as a freelance writer for Good Travel and has just completed training as a sustainability manager. After twenty exciting years in film, she now devotes herself full-time to her other passions - travel, food and design.
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