Refill, Not Waste – How Greenpeace Is Driving Change
Interview with Greenpeace Switzerland
Last summer, you called on Switzerland to go on a refill diet and added a fourth principle to the 3Rs principle „Reduce - Reuse - Recycle“. How successful was this campaign?
We launched the campaign to draw attention to how much waste is produced by takeaway packaging. Greenpeace is working Greenpeace is working to change the way companies and politicians think - small things that each individual can do help. The aim of the campaign was to reach people who are not as well informed about sustainability and environmental protection as the typical Greenpeace supporter. Thanks to the efforts of 150 partner companies and businesses that communicated (and in some cases still communicate) about the Refill Diet, we were able to reach significantly more people on a low-threshold level. In this respect, the campaign was successful for us.
Why wasn‘t the campaign also rolled out in Germany and other countries?
Each country office is independent and pursues own strategies. The strategies are based on the biggest problems of the individual countries and also take into account the specific culture, so it differs from country to country.
Has your work become more difficult from a brand more difficult from a brand point of view, since every second company is now concerned with the issue of sustainability?
It is important to distinguish between serious sustainable and greenwashing campaigns by various companies. Exposing greenwashing is part of our work and we still have a lot to do.
Did you participate in the Refill-Diet?
Sure, every day is a Refill-Diet. A reusable drinking bottle and a Tupperware are just as much part of the belong in the backpack just as a house key and a wallet. But here again it is important to emphasise: Private individuals can make a big difference, but we aim to persuade politicians and companies to take action. Because they can achieve a huge impact with relatively small measures. We are pleased that various major players are introducing reusable systems. We are firmly convinced that this will one day be the norm and disposable utensils the exception.
