Sharing resources cleverly – shaping sustainability together: The barter economy is almost as old as humanity itself and is seen as a beacon of hope in times when we are grappling with the challenges of climate change and the foundations of our prosperity.
Like no other economic model, the sharing economy stands for the reuse of resources, whether through sharing, exchanging, borrowing, renting or giving. This year, the Klever Birne sustainability award, awarded by the city of Kleve and ourTransRegINT project is dedicated to the sharing economy. The aim is to find creative solutions that motivate Kleve’s citizens to use resources in areas such as water, mobility, energy or even unused items, knowledge or time in a meaningful and collaborative way.
Using things better, less, differently, more fairly, sustainably – sharing initiatives introduce themselves
Fittingly, on 19 May, together with the the city of Kleve we held an information event at Dialog-Punkt Kleve for interested citizens to take a look behind the concept of the sharing economy. In a 20-minute presentation, Prof. Dr. Oliver Stengel from Bochum University of Applied Sciences explained the connection between climate change and consumer behaviour. While advertising suggests that buying things is normal, natural and necessary, science speaks of overconsumption, because the associated consumption of resources increases the pressure on the earth and the climate. Sharing as the core of a sustainable society should be made as easy as possible.
Related initiatives were then presented in a short presentation. The mini-fair that followed provided an opportunity for further exchange. Andreas Münnig from the Solidarische Landwirtschaft Kleve e.V. (Solawi) association and Andrea Joosten, director of the Emmerich am Rhein municipal library, who presented the seed library she had initiated, were also in attendance. Cycling officer Pascale van Koeverden presented the cargo bike sharing scheme in the city of Kleve, while Jonas Lamik, head of the HSRW library, presented the library of things, which is currently being set up. Here, tools, household items ranging from pots to contact grills, as well as games and sports equipment can be borrowed. Barbara Maué from the Kinder forschen foundation provided information about education for sustainable development in kindergartens and schools.
Wanted: ideas for community swapping and lending in Kleve
Will these and other initiatives spread far enough to bring about a noticeable change for the climate? The outcome is uncertain, because it depends on each and every one of us: can we as a society manage to reduce individual consumption and increase community sharing? In Kleve, citizens, private groups, students, educational institutions, companies, associations, start-ups and institutions have until 30 June to submit their own ideas. Whether it’s rooms and spaces, the contents of overflowing Lost and Found boxes, transportation, artsy ideas or practical suggestions, this is a chance to think outside the box and let your imagination run wild. The main thing is that the competition proposals should be feasible in Kleve, follow the principle of the sharing economy and address at least one of the 17 sustainability goals. In addition to three prizes of €1,000 to €2,000, coaching and a certificate, there is also the chance to win an audience award.
More information here: www.kleverbirne.de.
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