Inspiration Salon: Rethinking Consumption - From Plastic Fantasies to Circular Realities

Isa Willinger
(Filmmaker and Director, Plastic Fantastic)
Karsten Hirsch
(Founder & CEO, Plastic Fischer)
Felix Cornehl
(Senior Manager, Systemiq)
Anna Wasilewski
(Initiator of the Action Group Litterpicker)
in conversation with Joerg Geier and Fabian König (ANSC)
Monday, 24 June 2024, 7:00 PM
Hotel de Rome (Berlin)
ABOUT THIS SALON
The salon will look at the mounting plastic problem - and viable solutions to create a healthier world based on nature-based and circular alternatives.
We will start by looking at excerpts from the recent documentary film Plastic Fantastic by filmmaker Isa Willinger, followed by dialog with entrepreneurs, solution providers and experts.
Following a moderated fishbowl discussion with the speakers, we will involve other experts and the audience in the discussion. This is intended to deepen the interaction and thematic discussion among the participants and enable them to get to know each other better. A follow-up to the salon and a possible continuation of the discussion will be addressed on site.
When plastic was first introduced, its purpose was to resolve the challenges posed by costly and limited resources, primarily those derived from non-renewable sources. The inception of plastic can be traced back to 1907. Its widespread production gained momentum during World War II with the advent of polymer synthetics. This marked the beginning of a transformative era, enabling the development of various innovations, notably affordable packaging for meats and other consumables. In the 1960s, the mass production of plastic presented itself as a revolutionary solution to global predicaments. It promised the transportation and global distribution of food through inexpensive and lightweight packaging.
However, while plastic successfully addressed some global challenges, such as reducing transportation costs and preserving perishable foods, it also ushered in a host of issues. The intricate molecular structure of plastic renders it highly resistant to decomposition, leading to a growing accumulation of plastic waste. Toxic chemicals released by plastic factories contaminate waterways, and discarded bottles and debris form vast islands of plastic in the oceans. Additionally, microplastics pervade the environment, posing threats to ecosystems and human health. Thus, what was once a promising material has, unfortunately, become a source of unintended consequences.
Fortunately, a new generation of entrepreneurs and artists have emerged offering alternate ways of looking at the world. Plant-based materials offer viable alternatives. They are rooted in circular and regenerative thinking by design, for example as a new building and design material or as a biodegradable packing product. Their philosophy builds on production cycles emulating nature and her processes with materials being an integral part of their environment and nutrients circulating in healthy and safe metabolisms.
For centuries artists have used nature as a source of inspiration. Increasingly so, their emphasis is also on nature being at threat. Some of them project utopian worlds or solutions to our challenges..
Following an outline of each panelist’s distinct approaches, we will include the audience in the discussion.

[@annawasilewskicom]

What an inspiring evening! A heartfelt thank you to the Arts & Nature Social Club for hosting such a thought-provoking salon on "Rethinking Consumption - From Plastic Fantasies to Circular Realities." It was an honor to be among such passionate speakers and to share insights on the vital work of Litterpicker. Events like these remind us of the power of community and collective action in tackling the global plastic challenge. Looking forward to many more discussions and solutions. Thank you again for this incredible opportunity!
Best,
Anna Wasilewski