On May 26th, the vibrant landscape of the Weltacker at the Botanical Volkspark Pankow played host to a remarkable sustainability festival, marking the 10-year anniversary of the Berlin Global Field. This lively event brought together numerous partners from the Berlin sustainability movement in the fields of nutrition and sport, creating an enriching environment for all attendees. From educational workshops to interactive activities, the festival was a day of fun, learning, and celebration.
A Day Full of Engaging Activities
Visitors of all ages were treated to an array of activities designed to inspire sustainable living. The field tours provided a fascinating look into the Soil and Planetary Health Diet, emphasizing the importance of soil health and its impact on the planet. Guests could immerse themselves in the mysteries of the worm tunnel, a unique hand-painted tent that offered a sensory journey into the life of healthy soil. Inside, microscopes revealed the hidden world of earthworms and other microscopic organisms, captivating the curiosity of young and old alike.
Colorful Creations: Bean Mandalas and More
One of the highlights of the festival was the creation of bean mandalas, a colorful engagement that delighted both children and adults. Using an assortment of beans, participants crafted intricate patterns that celebrated the diversity and beauty of legumes. This hands-on activity was not only visually appealing but also served as a creative way to appreciate the importance of beans in our diet and ecosystems.
Interactive Workshops and Culinary Adventures
A key feature of the festival was the “Sustainably Fit” workshop, which explored the concept of a sports diet that is healthy for both individuals and the planet. Participants learned how to balance nutrition with sustainability, integrating these principles into their everyday lives. The workshop encouraged families to engage in healthy and environmentally conscious practices, making sustainability accessible and fun. This was part of a broader initiative under the Future League Berlin 2024, a project by UEFA EURO 2024 aiming to make the championship more sustainable. Our involvement focused on promoting plant-based proteins and educating young and old footballers on how to maintain a healthy, sustainable diet.
The Global Bean Meal Prepping Workshop
Led by the talented Cecilia Antoni, the Global Bean Meal Prepping Workshop was a culinary highlight of the event. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on experience, creating a delicious layer salad with fresh ingredients. The workshop began with a guided tour of the field, where participants picked wild herbs under the expert guidance of Romain Elleboudt. This immersive experience connected people to the land and showcased the potential of locally sourced ingredients.
Find the detailed recipe mentioned here: Meal Prep: Salad in a Jar with Pulses
The Exciting Bean Rally
Adding to the day’s excitement, the Bean Rally invited visitors of all ages to join in a fun and educational competition. At our booth, participants tested their knowledge about beans and sustainability, with prizes awarded based on their scores. This interactive challenge encouraged learning through play, reinforcing the festival’s theme of engaging with sustainability in enjoyable ways.
A Memorable Experience for All
The festival wouldn’t have been possible without the support and collaboration of our partners, including Verbraucherzentrale Berlin, Platform Ernährung und Bewegung, Gesellschaftsspiele e.V., Weltacker-Jugendrat, Ernährungsrat, Restlos Glücklich e.V., Polar Penguin, The Global Bean Project, and Kunststoffe. These organizations played a vital role in making the event a success. Special thanks to Polar Penguin for their interactive “soccer-tennis” space and the Landessportbund for funding the project.
We received positive verbal feedback from attendees, particularly appreciating the interactive spaces and the special EM-Workshop area.
The Berlin Global Field’s sustainability festival was a testament to the power of community and collaboration in promoting sustainable living. It was a day filled with laughter, learning, and a shared commitment to a healthier planet. From the joyous celebration of the Berlin Global Field’s 10th anniversary to the meaningful connections made, the festival left a lasting impression on all who attended. We look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to future events, as we continue to explore and embrace sustainable practices together.
