​// 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.