10/25 - 03/27
What might life be like in a medium-sized German city that isn't primarily focused on consumption and profit maximization—but rather on community, sustainability, and shared interests? The Degrowth Lab is finding out—using Monheim am Rhein as a case study.
Global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality also affect cities like Monheim am Rhein. One approach that promotes sustainable and future-oriented action is the concept of “degrowth”: less consumption and profit maximization, and instead a sustainable, resilient, and equitable way of life within planetary boundaries. The concept demonstrates how we can shape new forms of coexistence and economic activity in our cities, thereby paving the way for a sustainable society. The project “Degrowth Lab – Experiments for a Sustainable City” is testing how degrowth can work in a medium-sized city like Monheim am Rhein.
Together with the residents of Monheim, we aim to build knowledge, develop ideas, and establish networks over the course of three project days in order to strengthen dialogue for the long term:
Gaining knowledge through action:
gaining practical, everyday experience with sustainability and learning from sustainability experts in the region
Strengthening the local community:
bringing together Monheim’s youth, seniors, local initiatives, and associations to foster social interaction across generations and life experiences
Building long-term networks:
bringing together civil society and business leaders for a sustainable future in Monheim and promoting dialogue
Monheim residents themselves decide which sustainability topics are relevant to them: more benches in the shade, sustainable construction, repair shops, or swap meets? Anything related to sustainability is possible. Afterward, interested participants can join a program to support sustainability practices in everyday life. Over the course of five months, there will be a monthly network meeting where participants exchange ideas in pairs: old and young, a craftswoman with an academic, a retiree with a young professional. In this way, we create a social space for interaction and a shift in perspective. Everyone can learn from and with one another.
Finally, at a large closing event, we will present the results of the project days and the subsequent everyday support.
Do you live in Monheim or is your business based there, and would you like to get involved in the project? Sign up here with no obligation! The email will be generated automatically.
We are pleased that the project has received positive coverage in the press. Here is an overview of the articles:
The project is active on Instagram and has its own account. You can find regular updates there about the project and the ideas in Monheim. Click here to visit the account.
