Zero Waste in Berlin ? Having recently moved to Berlin, I wondered how I could continue living a somewhat sustainable lifestyle in a city that seems to celebrate consumerism. Luxury fashion brands grace every billboard, fast fashion stores fill the shopping streets and ordering takeaway (with all its plastic packaging glory) is just one click away. However, I quickly realised that even though Berlin in many ways is encouraging overconsumption, like most big cities, it also has a lot more to offer.
It is a city that truly makes living a zero/low waste lifestyle as easy as possible. With vegan options being a standard on the menu at every restaurant and vintage stores lining the streets in a lot of neighbourhoods, sustainability truly is a big part of the city. You just need to know where to look!
Have you just moved to Berlin or are visiting the city, and want to make your stay as sustainable as possible? If the answer is yes, you have come to the right place. Below, I have compiled a list of my favourite zero-waste places for you, broken down into four categories.
You want to have more options? Wegozero has its own zero-waste map of Berlin!
Check it out to explore plenty more zero-waste options across the city.
Zero Waste Food
Can you still eat out while trying to live a zero-waste lifestyle?
Yes, you can – you just need to know where! Going to a restaurant can be quite confusing when you want to limit your waste, because you do not quite know what is happening behind the scenes (or behind the doors of the kitchen). However, there are a few places that are not only completely transparent about their supply-chain, ingredients and own waste management, they have also committed to being zero-waste! Below are my two favourite spots for eating out zero-waste style:
- Isla Coffee Berlin (Hermannstraße 37 – Neukölln). Not only is this place zero-waste, it also serves an amazing cup of coffee and homemade cakes and bread. Its homely, relaxed feel is a great contrast to the busy Hermannstraße which it is located on.
- Restaurant FREA (Kleine Hamburger Str. 2 – Berlin Mitte). The first vegan, zero-waste restaurant in Berlin. Located in Mitte, the heart of the city, it offers a short but regularly updated menu. All ingredients are seasonal and regionally sourced. They even wrote their own book featuring recipes and many tips on how to live more sustainably.
Can fashion be zero waste?
Yes, it can. Not only does Berlin feature an abundance of second-hand stores, but it is also home to some iconic second-hand and vintage markets. Two of my favourite spots are listed below:
- Flea market at Mauerpark. While it is touristy, the location and the selection are incredible. You can find anything from large furniture pieces, jewellery and art over to vintage fashion and individuals selling their clothes at a really cheap price. There is also a large variety of food stalls and the Mauerpark offers a lot of entertainment opportunities, from more ‘traditional’ buskers to a hip hop dance group and even karaoke!
- Flea market at the Maybachufer, Neukölln. The location of this flea market is incredible, it is right next to the river at the border of Neukölln and Kreuzberg. You can find a mix between individuals selling their old clothes, hand-made jewellery, art and vintage decor. There is also a great selection of different food stalls (with many vegan options) and someone is always playing music, meaning the vibes are always great.
Sustainable Groceries/ Household
Where can I buy zero-waste groceries and household items?
While you can find some zero-waste items at every supermarket, the easiest way to make your weekly shop zero-waste is by going to a farmers market or a zero-waste store. I have listed to great options in Berlin down below:
- Original Unverpackt. (Wiener Straße 16 – Kreuzberg). This store was one of the first zero-waste shops in Germany and is definitely worth a visit during your stay in Berlin. Aesthetically pleasing and has a great selection of fair-trade and regional products. They also have an online shop and offer courses on how to open your own zero-waste shop, so check out their website for more information!
- Der Sache Wegen. (Lychener Straße 47 – Prenzlauer Berg). This zero-waste shop has a great selection of food and household items. They even offer a bike delivery service within Berlin!
- Marktschwärmer. This is a great organisation in Germany which essentially offers ‘pop-up farmers markets’. You can go onto their website to see if there is a distribution point close to you and check which farmers/producers deliver to that point. Then you can order your products online and go to the ‘pop-up farmers market’ (or ‘Schwärmerei’) to pick them up. This is also a great way to find out more about where your food comes from as you get into direct contact with the people producing it, something no grocery store can offer you!
Zero Waste Activities
What activities can I take part in while in Berlin, that are zero-waste?
While a casual sightseeing stroll around the city certainly won’t cause any waste, why not take it a step further and partake in activities that actually help you adopt a zero-waste or low-waste lifestyle.
- Zero Waste Berlin Festival. The city of Berlin even has a zero-waste festival! If you wanna live a sustainable lifestyle, this is a great place to learn more about what changes you can implement and what is happening in the industry. The three-day festival offers activities such as workshops, masterclasses and a market, where you can buy zero waste products. Check out their website for more information about the next festival!
- Repair Cafés. Spread across the city are so-called ‘repair cafés’, where you can learn how to fix anything from clothing to technology. A great place to learn a new skill and save some money in the long run, as you can now do your own repairs! Check out the wegozero zero-waste map of Berlin for the exact locations.
Conclusion
There are plenty of opportunities in Berlin, which allow you to live a zero-waste (or low-waste) lifestyle. Check out the wegozero zero-waste map of Berlin and get started today!
Haven’t seen your favourite zero waste spot ? Request a new store and make sure we include it to our map.
