Circularity: what’s next?
This summer, Plantclub took bold steps to further our commitment to circularity with two exciting initiatives. We launched a new Plant Shop, giving retired plants a second life, and teamed up with the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) NGO on a pioneering C2C Lab project. Both efforts reflect our ongoing mission to embrace sustainable practices and explore innovative ways to foster a greener future. These initiatives underscore our dedication to sustainability and our community's role in driving change.
The new plant shop: expanding circularity
The decision to open a physical shop represents a natural evolution in Plantclub’s commitment to sustainability and customer service. As we grow, we constantly look for innovative ways to enhance our circular economy efforts. The shop aligns perfectly with our core principles by providing a space where retired plants from our office rental service can be rehabilitated and rehomed. This approach not only extends the lifecycle of these plants but also reduces waste.
Located at Charlottenstraße 2, 10969 Berlin, and open every Thursday to Saturday, it offers a wide array of rescued plants, from small potted succulents to larger floor plants, all available at affordable prices starting at just €2. Employees of Plantclub member offices can show their employee IDs or emails for an additional discount on shop purchases. This initiative is designed to make plant ownership more accessible while providing an accessible space for customers to engage directly with our circular practice.
As a welcoming and inclusive space, we encourage members, partners, and new visitors to explore, learn, and enjoy. Regular events featuring drinks, music, collaborations, and workshops foster community engagement and promote circular practices. For example, our recent event on August 24th celebrated rescued plants and brought together plant enthusiasts from across the city.
Measuring the impact
To uphold transparency and accountability, Plantclub actively measures the impact of our circular initiatives. We are proud to report that 80% of the plants returned to our headquarters from offices undergo full rehabilitation and are reused either in the office or in our store. This not only reduces waste but also enhances the sustainability of our operations.
In line with our environmental responsibility, 0.5% of our Plant Shop revenue is allocated to carbon removal initiatives. This initiative demonstrates our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a healthier planet.
C2C Lab project
Our collaboration with the Cradle to Cradle (C2C) NGO further exemplifies our focus on eco-friendly initiatives. The C2C Lab project stands out as a testament to this partnership's success. The Cradle to Cradle NGO expanded in 2018 by transforming a former pharmacy in a typical Berlin slab building into a head office and living lab, adhering rigorously to Cradle to Cradle principles throughout its renovation and operations. This space serves as a practical demonstration of circular economy practices and C2C innovation in action.
“We use this space as our head office and a building center—a living lab where everything is inspired by C2C principles. Here, you can touch and interact with all the sustainable elements on display, experiencing the C2C concepts firsthand.” Lilli Knodt - Strategic Partnerships.
With a primary focus on education, the C2C Lab hosts events and workshops for students, schools, and companies to promote the design concept of Cradle to Cradle. The NGO assists businesses in enhancing their products by applying Cradle to Cradle principles. By making circularity more tangible and comprehensible through real-life examples, the lab emphasizes material health and the importance of creating products free of harmful chemicals.
”In Cradle to Cradle, we really focus on material health. Every product must be free of any harmful chemicals because otherwise, it’s damaging to the environment and our health.” Lilli Knodt - Strategic Partnerships.
Our partnership with the Cradle to Cradle NGO has created a healthier, greener, and more calming environment within the ‘lab’. The presence of Plantclub's plants allows the NGO to discuss the health benefits of plants with visitors, further advocating for sustainability. The NGO highly values this collaboration and actively recommends Plantclub to its partners, underscoring the advantages of integrating plants into workplace environments.
“Plantclub brought these big green plants, which have truly changed the atmosphere. From my own experience, it's much more comfortable to work surrounded by plants. They create a healthier, more inspiring environment and also improve air circulation.” Lilli Knodt - Strategic Partnerships.
Embracing Circularity
The opening of our new Plant Shop and our collaboration with the C2C NGO are key examples of how Plantclub is continually exploring new ways to embrace circular economy principles. These initiatives demonstrate that it is possible to operate sustainably while creating value for our members and the broader community.
We invite you to visit our Plant Shop, join our events, and become part of our mission to promote circularity. By supporting Plantclub, you are not only enhancing your home/office environment with beautiful, healthy plants but also contributing to a more sustainable future.