Art in the service of the environment: Vernissage Garbage Art” in Vienna Favoriten!

Art in the service of the environment: Vernissage Garbage Art” in Vienna Favoriten!

On November 27, 2025, an exciting opening entitled “Garbage Art” took place in the GB* district office in the 10th district, which was organized as part of the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR 2025). Under the motto “Consumption – Reset – live more consciously, less waste”, numerous participants discussed the pressing challenges in the area of ​​electronic waste.

The event attracted people who question their consumption and want to live more sustainably. District leader Marcus Franz opened the event and shared everyday examples of a conscious lifestyle. Activist Stella Wittmann, founder of Plastic Planet Austria, gave a powerful presentation about the far-reaching effects of overconsumption and the need for change. The discussion mainly revolved around the pressure to constantly have new things and the associated burden on our planet. Millions of old electrical devices are still disappearing into the landscape, often disposed of illegally, and represent a serious environmental problem that goes against the principles of a sustainable circular economy, as Greenpeace emphasizes.

The challenge of electronic waste

A central theme of the event was e-waste and how it is managed globally, particularly in Africa. It became clear that the current use of electrical appliances often results in the creation of waste and environmental pollution. The WWF shows in its study “Model Germany Circular Economy” that the introduction of a true circular economy that sees recycling as a last option could be the key to reducing electronic waste. Strategies to extend product lifespan and promote remanufacturing were highlighted as particularly important to minimize harmful environmental impacts.

The discussion about the three lightning talks, which addressed specific aspects of the e-waste problem, was also interesting. Elizabeth G. Toth spoke about digital sustainability, while Chieh Pan highlighted social innovation in in-kind donation management. Peter Bernscherer discussed the possibilities of digital environmental protection and access to technologies.

Practical approaches and strategies

An important element of the opening was the practical education, which offered participants insights into sustainable lifestyles. The repair network in Vienna presented only three companies in a brochure that accept mixers for repair. However, reality shows that many companies consider repairs to be uneconomical, which underlines the need to question consumption habits and live more consciously. Stella Wittmann patiently answered numerous questions from the audience and stimulated mediating discussions in the panel discussion led by Doris Holler-Bruckner.

The event was not only a platform for information, but also a place to exchange ideas about possible solutions to reduce waste. District leader Franz surprised the participants with practical gifts, such as pocket ashtrays, which were intended to encourage people to avoid waste. The event was also supported by the Sustainable Business Forum, which distributed printed materials to those in attendance to promote sustainable practices.

In this time when consumption is rampant and electronic waste is increasing, it is crucial that we operate sustainably and rely on a circular economy. Whether it's sharing devices, using them for longer, or repairing them, everyone can contribute. With the right awareness and practical approaches, we can all help preserve the earth for future generations.