GMB016 mimycri: Bags made from refugee boats - a story of hope

For this kick-off episode of 2018, Claudi sat down with the inspiring Vera Günther, co-founder of Mimycri (@mimycri). Mimycri is a social startup that is really one-of-a-kind and totally expanded my awareness of what is possible in the field of circular economy - which, as you know, I’ve been diving in a lot lately through our circular economy tours. A new year is usually kicking off with lots of hopes, plans and dreams - and if you are dreaming of a greener future, where people are just kind to each other, smile more, love and respect one another and love and respect our beautiful planet - be assured that you’re not alone in this. If you still think that we’re not enough to truly matter: trust me, everyone of us has the power to move things out there. Even if it’s just you or a small group of people. The best proof is my guest on the show today, an incredible female social entrepreneur and passionate environmentalist: Vera Günther, the co-founder of Mimycri. SOME QUICK FACTS ABOUT MIMYCRI Mimycri consists of a bunch of dedicated people, reclaiming leftover rubber boats - which transport hundreds of refugees over to the shores of Europe - and turn them into super beautifully designed bags and backpacks! Exactly - WOW! My chat to Vera was probably one of the most touching & at the same time most empowering and motivating interviews I had. Getting such a truthful account of what’s happening out there, right now, from someone who’s actually been on the ground… It really really touched me. At the same time it’s SO encouraging to listen to Vera and feel her passion… how they made it work as a team… On top of that, with their beautiful products they prove that sustainability doesn’t have to be a trade-off anymore. All in all, I feel super aligned with a lot of Vera’s values - especially her positive outlook on things. Please, please, please, have a listen, it’s such a unique story and you’ll get such a better picture than the one painted by the mass media. In times of uncertainty and fear of the “other”, I couldn’t imagine anyone who would stay negative and anxious after listening to Vera’s messages. I’m sure it convinces every critic … Anyway, before jumping in I wanted to share with you: we recorded the show when I was in transition on my way to Australia. Yep, I’m in the Aussie sister city of Berlin, in Melbourne, connecting with the local eco scene here and seeing if we can kick off GreenMe Melbourne. It’s pretty exciting, I’m meeting lots of interesting people and projects. And I can feel a crazy strong tie between Berlin and Melbourne. I believe that it’s key to broaden our horizons and see what’s going on in the rest of the world - and learn about other social, sustainable, eco-minded projects. Everything is connected on this planet. And we all need to join forces in order to protect it. So, if you’re curious to see what’s moving in the green scene on the other end of the world, stay tuned and follow us on Facebook and Instagram and soon also on www.greenme.melbourne And if you’re around in Melbourne, let us know and maybe you even wanna join one of our first tours over here!  IN THIS PODCAST EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN ABOUT: A truly unique take on how circular economy can look like Why it’s important to look back and celebrate A first-hand report of the situation on a refugee arrival point A business model that puts people on eye level The hardest moment to explain European politics to people who just survived How to find the battle you’re passionate to fight for What makes Vera jump out of bed every morning Why it’s better to do something small than to do nothing The secret meaning behind the name Mimycri Why it’s crucial to have products that speak for themselves Mimycri’s vision to create a new and open society When is it okay to be an occasional materialist? The power of a community of like-minded people How the newcomers of the Mimycri team feel about their work The various stages of the journey of a Mimycri bag What happens if there are no more rubber boats Why Mimycri had to be launched in Berlin Social entrepreneurship vs. public sector NGO’s The enormous value of criticism & the various types of criticism The importance of not giving up on your dreams Why failure is not an option ! CHECK OUT all shownote links, pictures and the full transcript at www.greenmeberlin.com/podcast-mimycri As always just a few quick final shout outs before leaving you: ...All tour news from the GreenMe Berlin & Melbourne universe: check out our tour website, www.greenmeberlin.com/tours with lots of great routes and experiences to choose from. If you are looking out for a unique experience with the urban green scene, check it out and get in touch with us! ...if you took value out of this episode, please share it with your friends and leave us a short review on iTunes. Your feedback is important to make the show better and spread the messages to more people. Thanks so much for supporting us, it really means a lot! https://itunes.apple.com/podcast/id1187314818?mt=2&ls=1  And lastly, if you wanna stay up to date with the latest interviews, green events, tours and our explorations in the Berlin green scene, sign up for our monthly newsletter. We got a little thank you if you do so: we’ll send you our best-of guide to 7 of awesome eco-minded places in the city for free. To get it, just go to www.greenmeberlin.com/newsletter  That’s it! Thanks so much for listening! Good times are coming & we all have the power to make it happen. So go out & spread some good green vibes :)