During my time in Germany, I noticed a lot of differences and similarities between how products are packaged and the ways people in Germany conserve and recycle. Berlin is a very diverse city with many opportunities available that allow one to live a sustainable lifestyle. Prior to my study abroad trip to Germany, I had been thinking about the effects of pollution and ways to reduce my production of waste. My job recently had a film screening of A Plastic Ocean, a documentary about the effects of plastic on marine life and our ecosystem. During this event, I took a pledge created by the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project. In this pledge, I promised to take steps towards reducing the amount of plastic waste. My pledge and awareness prompted me to take steps towards efforts to reduce waste by bringing reusable bags to the grocery store and refusing to use plastic straws at restaurants.

My interest in the environment reminds me of the “Green Tour” I took while in Berlin on my study abroad trip in March.  On this tour, we visited multiple “green” companies, which either made organic products or repurposed materials. The first stop on our tour was Belyzium Artisan Chocolate, a “bean to bar” company that grows and harvests its own cocoa beans, and then makes it into chocolate bars and other various treats such as tea and ice cream. The company provides a variety of flavors from kirsche to maya. The chocolate was a little too bitter for my taste but I enjoyed sampling thedifferentflavors.

The next stop we made was at Ecoalf, whose slogan is “Because there is no planet B”. The company makes clothes from garbage found in the ocean, which is made into thread. The thread makes winter coats and other clothing. The premise behind their work is cool and their clothing does not feel rough or uncomfortable. Ecoalf has an online store and two physical locations: Berlin and Madrid.   The third place we visited was Good Bank, which grows their own ingredients and has a “farm to table” premise. All of their vegetables were grown indoors in glass cases. Good Bank offers a variety of salads and vegan options. From salad to cheesecake, they have something for everyone. Our group was allowed to sample a variety of different salads and treats.

Afterwards, we visited a variety of other places! We visited a bike shop where we learned about bike culture in Berlin. It was a revelation to see how accommodating and conscious a city can be to the needs of its citizens. Cities in Florida, such as Largo and Seminole, appear to have a nonexistent bike culture. I live in Seminole where the bike lanes are in in the middle of busy roads and there are damaged, uneven sidewalks. However, in Berlin, bike lanes are on almost every sidewalk.

During my trip, I gained an understanding of what eco-conscious really means and explored many companies that really care about how their products and how they are made. As I now strive to become a more “eco-conscious” consumer, I will keep in mind the methods and ways practiced in cities such as Berlin. I will admit, I was not entirely interested in “going green” or reducing my carbon footprint when I took this tour. Nevertheless, after learning about the dangerous effects of pollution and household waste, I have gained a deeper appreciation on the importance of becoming a more eco-conscious consumer.

-Briana Harper, Germany study abroad student: 2018

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