Let's Talk Sustainability

Goethe-Institut Washington

Episode 1: Leonie and Zoe (SDG 6)

Two sisters from Friedberg take on the fight against microplastics: While Zoe researches the state of local lakes and rivers, Leonie works on a filter for washing machines that is designed to prevent the particles from getting into the environment in the first place.

FURTHER READING:
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Microplastics are everywhere — but are they harmful? (Nature.com)

Goethe-Institut Washington

Episode 2: Noah (SDG 3)

In the early days of the pandemic, even daily tasks became a huge burden for many. Noah Adler from Berlin quickly recognized this—and took action. Or rather: he enabled others to act, with Coronaport, a website that allows that allows people to help others.

FURTHER READING:
Goal 3: Good Health and Well-BeingCoronaport (Noah's project website)

Goethe-Institut Washington

Episode 3: Clara (SDG 7)

Clara Bauer and her team from energyECO advise schools and daycares in Berlin on how to become more energy efficient. Conserving energy not only lowers their operational costs, it also helps to protect the environment by reducing greenhouses gases.

Further Reading

Goal 7: Affordable and Clean EnergyEnergy Eco (Clara's project)

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Episode 4: Malte (SDG 16)

Malte Kreyer from Hamburg has been campaigning against this for years. After an attack on a Jewish student in the neighborhood, he and his comrades-in-arms activated the whole school for a large solidarity action against anti-Semitism. 

Further Reading

Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsWhat is Antisemitism? (Anti-Defamation League) 

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Episode 5: Kilian (SDG 14)

Despite recycling efforts, several million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year. For this reason, Kilian Wolter from Norderstedt launched the "Kooperation Antiplastik" at his school. Their goal: to make their school plastic-free.

Further Reading

Goal 14: Life Below WaterKooperation Anti-Plastik (Kilian's Project)

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Episode 6: Lena (SDG 11)

Green light for climate friendly transportation solutions: Lena Becker from Hamburg spent a whole year working on the mobility turnaround in her home city. But what does mobility turnaround actually mean? And how far has Lena come?

Further Reading

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesCycling in Hamburg (Hamburg transportation authority)

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Episode 7: Marius (SDG 15)

Marius Krebs from Lindau on Lake Constance regularly uproots trees and builds dams. By doing so, he takes care of a special type of landscape, namely boglands. They serve an important function, helping to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.

Further Reading

Goal 15: Life on LandProtecting Peatlands, Protecting the Planet (UN Environment Programme)

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Clara, Doro and Bastian (SDG 12)

Plastics are often made from petroleum and other harmful chemicals. But do they have to be? Clara, Doro and Bastian from Erfurt asked themselves this question. To find an answer, they went to the lab where they found a way of making plastics a little greener.

Further Reading 

Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionBioplastics: Benefits and Pitfalls (Green America)

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Episode 9: Liza (SDG 1)

Liza Popal from Hamburg developed a sleeping car for the homeless: During the day, it is a normal hand cart in which belongings can be stowed and transported. At night, it can be transformed into a sleeping pad that protects from cold weather and the elements.

Further Reading

Goal 1: No PovertyReport on Homelesness in the U.S. (National Alliance to End Homelesness)

Goethe-Institut Washington

Episode 10: Jakob (SDG 2)

Biodiversity is in decline almost everywhere on earth. Some experts consider this to be as serious a threat as climate change. Can counting flowers make a difference? Jakob Nolte from Laubach emphatically says yes. He also makes persuasive arguments. 

Further Reading

Goal 2: Zero HungerBiodiversity Action Guide (Nature.org)