​// OKAY MILENA, NOW IT's TIME TO TALK

What are the most important things that you want people to see in Original Unverpackt?

That we're more than just a shop. There’s a whole movement behind it: we introduced the zero waste lifestyle to Germany and try to make it as big as possible. Going plastic-free takes more than just a few loose bananas in a shop. We're trying to tell the world a bigger story.

What makes you feel most excited about being part of the zero waste movement?

What I really like about it, is that it makes organic food and cosmetics affordable to everyone (usually that costs a lot!). And it doesn’t carry this hippie “öko-image” that’s been around a few years ago. It’s just becoming hip and cool to be green and lead a sustainable lifestyle. That is actually the best part of it...

What was the last thing you’ve thrown in the bin and why?

I have ADHD, so when I’m working or talking to someone, I always need something in my hands to fiddle around with. I often use play dough. Last Friday I left it in my bag... and it melted. No chance to fix it - I had to throw away both the play dough and the bag and was feeling really sorry about that.

Which person impacted on your life the most in the last 2 years?

So many! My business mentors are a huge inspiration to me. They are like my parents, but in an entrepreneurial way and I really look up to them. Also Casey Nestat. His videos just inspired me to pursue the things you love and share them with others. Great approach to life. He made me start my own youtube channel, too.

What would you say is your most important character trait as an ecopreneur?

My creativity. I have non-stop ideas. And often, I actually have too many of them - so it gets difficult to decide which project to focus on next. Most of the time, I’m really managing my own mind and try not to say yes to everything - but it’s hard. It’s my best and my worst trait at the same time.

What was the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?

After checking Instagram, Facebook, etc. I did 15-minutes of meditation. I try to do it every day before leaving my bed (cause once I got up, I probably wouldn’t do it anymore).

What was the last idea you had, where other people said “that’s crazy”?

I have little finger toys to keep me busy - and my whole team now plays with them. It’s fun, helps relax and concentrate. So my business partner joked that I should start an ADHD toy store - and I caught fire and started to research. He actually meant it as a joke… But I think there’s a lot of potential.

Tell us something that most people don’t know about you:

I’m very small, about 1,50m. And when people meet me the first time, they’re very surprised. Another thing: as a teenager, I was a tom boy. A real skateboarder.

What book do you think everyone in the world should read?

"Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. I wasn’t vegan before. But after I was 20% into the book, I already knew that I would stop eating meat. That really changed my life in a good way.

Please share 3 things, that make you most happy in your life at the moment:

First, I love my team and the setup in our office - really enjoy coming to work everyday. Second, my friends, who I don’t meet very often anymore. But when we meet we have such a good time. Third, I’m writing a book right now, which has been a lifelong dream and it excites me everyday.

If you could change one thing to make Berlin greener within 24 hours, what would it be?

I would shut down a few roads and open them just for bikes. I’m riding my bike everyday and the more space we have, the safer it is. And the air in the city gets greener and cleaner.

Choose the answer that spontaneously resonates with you most

a/ Save the Ocean or Protect the Forest (veeeeery hard one!)

b/ Fair trade coffee or green smoothie

c/ Eco Fashion or Second Hand

d/ Meditation or Workout

e/ Facebook or Snapchat

What question should we have asked you but didn’t?

How does the online shop for Original Unverpackt work - how do you try to avoid waste?

Answer: We only use packaging that has already been used by other people, by our customers, our office neighbors... Instead of recycling we just re-use them as much as possible.

Last word: Anything you want to pass on to the GreenMe Berlin community?

>> I like the quote “There is no planet B” - so we have to take care of that one.

// WHAT's MILENA UP TO RIGHT NOW:

• Female Empowerment Symposium & Soultank
• Milena shares the stage with Magdalena Schaffrin (founder of Greenshowroom & Ethical Fashion Show) & Dr. Maja Göpel (political economist & transformation researcher)
• Time & Location: 7-10pm at SOHO House Berlin, Torstr. 1, 10119 Berlin Mitte >> Please RSVP!

• "The book that will change your life" - a combo of diary, life planner and daily inspirations
• Broaden your horizon with mindfulness, happiness and stress reduction, while keeping your business & life goals in order

// OTHERWISE, FIND HER SHOP AT:

Photos: Original Unverpackt

​// MR. WAGNER, IT's TIME TO TALK...

What are the 3 most important things that you want people to see in you and your work?

I want that they relax, that they are not hungry, and a little bit drunk...

What’s your favorite meal to cook and why?

I cook very simple. Mostly local and seasonal vegetables, well prepared. As in the restaurant.

But - I use lemon… (= not brutally local)

And what’s your favorite meal to eat and why ?

Steak and Sauce Choron. Meat, Fat, Acid - perfect combination.

When did you try something new the last time - and what was it?

Fruit wine (Rhubarb) last year. And cold brew at Blue Bottle Coffee in SanFran – Best ever!

What do you believe in, that other people think is crazy?

Being honest and straight forward, always!

Tell us something that people don’t know about you that would surprise them?

I sleep sometimes as well. Even in Berlin…

Appreciating the good things in life is important. Share with us 3 things that you are grateful for:

My Girlfriend. My Staff. My Restaurant.

If you could change one thing in Berlin to make it greener within 24 hours, what would you do?

Paint our house

Choose the answer that spontaneously resonates with you most

a/ Beef Burger or Buckwheat Salad

b/ Bicycle or U-Bahn

c/ Bio Company or Farmer’s Market

d/ Urban garden or vertical farm?

What question should we have asked you but didn’t?

What comes next… - A bakery, and we’re moving to the countryside.

Last word: Anything you want to pass on to the GreenMe Berlin community?

>> "Fass dein Essen mal wieder an" ==> Start touching your food again!

// WHAT's BILLY UP TO THIS WEEK:

• 24 of Berlins most exciting restaurants created a special menu, choosing one local producer to put into the spotlight throughout the week ==> chef meets producer !
• Restaurants include Cookies Cream, einsunternull, HORVÁTH, Lode & Stijn, Michelberger, Nudo, Spindler, VOLT and many more (full list & list of producers)
• Book your table directly with the restaurant & be part of something unique, celebrating the farmers and amazing products of our region!

• ​One of the 11 workshop areas to learn about artisanal food production 
• Billy curates the full program & shares his knowledge in 2 seminars // Sat (1.30pm) & Sun (1pm)
• ​Location: Galerie Einundzwanzigzwölf, Lausitzerplatz 1, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg
• Times: Sat & Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 10am-5pm

// OTHERWISE, FIND HIM AT:

P.S.: Billy's one-of-a-kind dining haven Nobelhart & Schmutzig is also part of the GreenMe Berlin Map. 

// The Green Market Berlin - what to expect & who is behind it?

​Time to enter that stunning new location (which is also the new space of the Agora Collective). The Green Market is a colorful celebration of all things vegan and eco. Anything that’s fun and enjoyable for everyone. No preaching, no activism - but a place full of optimists, change makers and visionaries. A world of original vegan street food, music, shows, fashion, craft and creative freedom.

​And what should I say? Diving into all these new flavors, being blown away by natural tastes, being proven (once again) that eco-fashion looks stylish and beautiful, seeing how old forgotten materials are given a new purpose, or learning how we can soon grow our own food at home - how exciting!

What started off in 2014 as Berlin’s first 100% vegan Christmas market has now grown into a cheerful celebration of vegan lifestyle in Berlin, that invites curious visitors 4x every year - kicking off spring, summer, autumn or winter with the best things each season has in store for us.

The hero behind The Green Market Berlin is Stefanie Witt, a young energetic Berliner who used her experience, drive and passion to build a platform for the Berlin green scene. She’s bringing together consumers and producers, so we can all learn and grow. The result is an open, friendly network that is focussed on more than just making profit.

​Stefanie calls her exhibitors “heroes”, which makes our hearts sing and proves the great relationship within the scene. And you can feel that when visiting the Green Market. So inspiring!

​Now, we're happy to present you 3 new heroes of the Berlin green scene:

// Change Maker #1: SUPERFRAN's

Moving our way past the first stalls, we saw all these happy faces passing by, pleasurably sticking their forks into a creamy piece of 'raw quiche' - Oh yes, I want this! Arrived at the source of goodness, there was so much more: delicious gateaus, coconut pralines & a super friendly couple. So I took a break to ask them some questions - and have a good excuse to try more of their incredible food

What is Superfran's and what is the idea behind it?

We want to show the world how tasty and creative healthy, sustainable cooking can be. There’s a certain image of a healthy diet manifested in people’s minds - and we want to bring this to a new level. That’s why we’re only using high-quality organic, natural ingredients and no processed foods. We always prepare everything following the principles of raw food. Plus, all our dishes are vegan and sugar-, gluten- and soy free!

​What makes you feel really passionate & excited about doing what you do?

We love the creative challenge behind coming up with a raw food option for certain dishes like Black Forest Tart or Russischer Zupfkuchen (Russian Chocolate Crumble). Also, “roasting” or “caramelising” in raw food style is such an awesome thing. However, the perfect motivation is really to see that our clients appreciate what - and especially how - we prepare our food, and leave our place happy and smiling. Apart from that, we love to experiment and let our creativity flow and simply play out some new recipes and ideas.

If you could change one thing in Berlin within the next 24hours - what would it be?

We would put warning signs on all the food products that are unhealthy and harmful to our bodies (so nearly everything) - with images, just how you find them on cigarette packs! Because: the most dangerous place is still the supermarket

​You've got one message to pass on to the GreenMe Berlin tribe - what do you want to tell them?

​We’d be really happy if you come visit us at our cosy manufactury and treat your body to something good - and yes, that’s also working with a piece of cake!

And don’t be too dogmatic in terms of your diet - people are reading lots of articles and wave their fingers, as there’s always something you can pick on. Find out what’s best for YOU and be good to yourself - and don't forget: to eat is to love!

Our favorite thing at Fran's & Alex' stall:

RawFaello !! A healthy, happy, vegan version of that famous coconut ball

All about Superfran's:

www.superfrans.de | Facebook | Instagram

// Change Maker #2: ABSURDISTANA

The proof that Berlin is a place where creative people can follow their heart and try something unusual: Berlin-born upcyclerista Katharina thinks outside the box and is bursting with passion when talking about her craft - it's an idea we never thought about before, but instantly fell in love with:

What is Absurdistana? What is the idea behind it?

For one thing, I rescue and recycle vintage silver-plated cutlery and hand stamp them with sweet little symbols, words and personalized messages. Apart from that, I create jewellery using material like wood, lava beads and many moon symbols - the jewellery is partly hand-stamped too.

What makes you feel really passionate & excited about doing what you do?

​Moreover, I'm really into old silvered cutlery. It's not very contemporary to use that type of cutlery and most of the time it dusts in the basement or people try to sell that "scrap silver" back to the industry for too little money. So I try to save, re- and upcycle it with passion and bring it back to life.

​If you could change one thing in Berlin within the next 24hours - what would it be?

Berlin is great! I was born here and it's my home. But like everything, Berlin is not perfect. One of the things I really would like to change is the dirt. There are many parts of Berlin which look really dirty. I know, compared to other cities we have a green one - but really not a clean one at all. We should move on to a conscious use of rubbish - especially plastic! Like all over the world...

You've got one message to pass on to the GreenMe Berlin tribe - what do you want to tell them?

If you want to change the world start with little steps by yourself. We all have scratches and quirks like an old silver spoon but we are beautiful anyway, and we can make the world a better place by inspiring and helping each other.

Our favorite thing at Katharina's stall:

The hand-stamped forks with "Mr. Right & Mrs. Always Right"

All about Absurdistana:

www.absurdistana.de | Facebook | Instagram

// Change Maker #3: FRESH SQUARE

Two passionate girls from France came to Berlin to revolutionize the way we grow our own food - at home. With Fresh Square, they just launched their green garden on kickstarter and won us with their bubbliness and positive energy - we had to ask them what they’re all about:

What is Fresh Square? What is the idea behind it?

Fresh Square is an indoor garden to grow small veggies, fruits or roots as well as fresh herbs at home even if you don’t have any time or any gardening skills. We wanted to bring to everyone the pleasure to experiment growing food at home. We think that food should be produced in a way that is fair for both the planet and the people. And we realized that the best way to be sure that our food is grown in a responsible way is to do it ourselves.

We wanted to grow our veggies and herbs in our apartment, in the easiest possible way because we are always busy and can’t take care of plants much. So we thought, why not build it? We launched hundreds of experiment to optimize a soil recipe that would be very easy to use and made only out of natural ingredients. This is what makes Fresh Square special

What makes you feel really passionate & excited about doing what you do?

We are thrilled at the thought that we are really making something new, something that could have a positive impact on people life: reconnecting them to nature, to their food, to diversity and quality in taste. Gradually, we want to help the Freshers (Fresh Square users) to become self-sufficient, if they want. They will, with very little time and a little help of technology, be able to create their own soil, and know when and how they should enrich it to get fresh and new taste. Our values are Empowerment, Adventure and Pro Planet. We want to make a difference, helping people experiencing something new themselves, with a positive planet impact and a great user experience!

​If you could change one thing to make Berlin greener within the next 24hours - what would it be?

Berlin is a really nice city to live in, full of parks, with nice bike lanes and efficient waste sorting.If I was to change something to make it greener, I would create wider bike lanes in every street. Sometimes when there are no bike lanes, the cars pass very close and very fast by.

You've got one message to pass on to the GreenMe Berlin tribe - what do you want to tell them?

Fresh Square is the beginning of a new revolution, a revolution where it’s easy to grow food at home. What we really need now is to have people know about us. It would help tremendously if the GreenMe Berlin readers could back us on our Kickstarter campaign and/or share the link of the page to all their friends who could be interested in getting a Fresh Square.

Our favorite thing at Fresh Square's stall:

Meeting co-founder Lou & feeling her passion for the project

All about Fresh Square & their kickstarter campaign:

www.fresh-square.com | Facebook | Instagram

// THE OTHER HEROES OF THE GREEN MARKET 

The power ladies of the Black Sheep Café served up their masterpieces of handmade cakes, steaming cinnamon buns, raw-vegan wraps, funky vegan hotdogs, waffles and home-brewed Kombucha. So much passion can only end up in flavor explosions! Can't wait to visit their café in Treptow soon...

One of the top addresses in town to fuel up on your daily dose of superfood and natural fruit power: The Juicery rolled out their best-of's: green smoothies, acaì bowls, epic nut shakes - how can you decide?! Swing by at their shop in Prenzlauer Berg, just opposite Mauerpark.

These two Berliners know how to shake the fruit trees: Fräulein Frucht produces flavor-packed jams and sirups from wild-growing fruits and nuts around the city. Meet them each Saturday at the market at Maybachufer and learn where they go to pick their ingredients - you'll be surprised how much is growing right in front of our nose!

Oooh, my heart beats faster when I remember the mouth-watering cakes at I AM Delicous - founder xx is a trained vegan patissière and created the most beautiful tartelettes - think of white chocolate & fig, plum & vanilla, cashew & raspberry or indulgent chocolate... She'll open her shop on Veteranenstraße in Mitte on 15th October - MUST GO!

Manu came to seduce the people with his organic chai's and homemade Kombucha from his ManuTeeFaktur - and I finally met his partner, the LoveBite Girl from Sydney, and tried her delicious gluten-free banana bread.

>> Check out our recent interview to find out all about Manu's secrets & passion for tea.

[photo credit: green-friday.de]

More familiar faces - LOVECO showed once more that eco-fashion is not boring. Christina and her team spread lots of good mood around their stall and presented the latest collection for winter.

>> Check out my very first interview with Christina here. 

Hope to catch you around at the next edition of the Green Market! Already looking forward to a snuggly, warming & colorful Christmas market.

Sending out lots of good green vibes to Stefanie & wishing her lots of power and success for keeping The Green Market Berlin grow. So grateful to have change makers like her in the city, who introduce us to so many new, exciting and delicious ways of going green. You rock!!