Photo: privat
Avoiding plastic waste, saving CO₂, reducing consumption — how can we live more resource-efficiently? The second event focused on one of the major climate questions. Three social startups offered answers to how each of us can avoid plastic waste, save CO₂, and reduce consumption. This time, Hannah Fischer from The Closest Loop, Nadine Herbrich from recyclehero, and Hannah and Marie Pippert from oclean pitched their ideas.
Afterwards, the founders discussed sustainability goals and social innovations for Hamburg with Hamburg’s Senator for the Environment Jens Kerstan and sustainability expert Marina Beermann.
Startup profiles at a glance
Can cucumbers become kitchen sponges? The Closest Loop says yes and shows how the loofah cucumber can be turned into a sustainable alternative to the conventional sponges found in many kitchens. The fruit is not only suitable for eating: when dried, the loofah cucumber also works as a sponge. With this product, the startup wants to make a significant contribution to reducing plastic in households.
The startup oclean offers various formats on dealing with plastic and waste in order to raise social awareness of the issue. From so-called cleanups in Hamburg — collective waste-picking activities — to Conscious Classes, workshops for businesses and educational institutions, and Conscious Events, such as clothing swaps or sustainable Christmas markets, the startup aims to inspire many people to support its mission of reducing waste and plastic.
Founded in 2018, recyclehero offers a social and climate-friendly collection service for waste paper, glass, used clothing, and deposit bottles using electric cargo bikes. Its customers include restaurants, shops, offices, and private households. The income generated from deposit bottles is donated to social projects supporting people experiencing homelessness. The startup is also active in vocational support, helping disadvantaged people enter or re-enter the workforce.
Impressions
Hannah und Marie Pippert von oclean Photos: privat 
Nadine Herbrich von recyclehero 
Hannah Fischer von The Closest Loop 
