A guide to the green insider tips in Witten

Witten is so lively and sustainable: Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) and the city of Witten present the first "Sustainable Living in Witten" guide. The comprehensive city guide is now available online free of charge and shows more than 40 sustainable places in the region that combine environmental awareness, social commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.

The guide was developed to highlight the numerous projects, start-ups and businesses that make Witten a city worth living in. "We want to show the diversity of sustainable initiatives and invite new students and citizens in particular to explore and support the creative and sustainable places in our city," says Stella Bünger, project coordinator of the Sustainability Networking Centre at UW/H.

The city guide was financially supported by Stadtwerke Witten, AHE GmbH, Wittener Universitätsgesellschaft and the fund for student initiatives. "It impressively shows how diverse and committed citizens, students and companies in Witten are to sustainable consumption and future-proof lifestyles," emphasises Julia Pfannkuch, press officer at Stadtwerke Witten. "It is important to us to promote this commitment. The guide is therefore more than just an orientation guide - it is a call to help shape the sustainable development of our city together."

Insights into the sustainable diversity of Witten

One example of the innovative entrepreneurial spirit that enriches the sustainable scene in Witten is the "Kijamii Café". UW/H medical student Dominik Münstermann founded Kijamii after experiencing the effects of conventional coffee cultivation in Tanzania first-hand. His café focuses on fair-trade coffee and homemade organic specialities, combining enjoyment, sustainability and social responsibility.

Another highlight are the "Ruhr Valley Rangers", who support cyclists along the Ruhr Valley cycle path. Equipped with repair kits and flyers about the region, they help with punctures, give valuable tips and provide information about nature conservation rules. Their commitment ensures that the route is safer for everyone and raises awareness of environmental protection.

With "nouranour", the signpost presents a project that not only offers sustainable fashion, but also makes a strong social statement. Founded by UW/H students, the fashion label offers sewing courses and upcycling workshops with childcare and language courses. The team is pursuing its vision of a society "in which all people - regardless of origin and gender - can make an equivalence contribution and feel welcome."

The listed half-timbered house "Günnemann-Kotten" has been revitalised by a dedicated association as an educational and meeting place. Sustainable gardening is promoted here, as is the community's commitment to preserving the historical heritage.

Last but not least, the "Grüne Perle" is also one of the region's sustainable hotspots. The cooperatively organised regional shop brings fresh organic food from surrounding farms right into the city centre. With its business model, the "Grüne Perle" creates a direct link between producers and consumers, strengthens regional cohesion and shows how sustainable consumption works at a local level.

The "Sustainable living in Witten" guide is now available online at www.uni-wh.de/wegweiser.