In the heart of Europe, quirky grassroots movements are turning everyday spaces into stages for creative climate action. From the steamy heat of Finnish saunas to the grassy lawns of Ghent, communities are blending tradition with innovation to tackle environmental issues. Imagine discussing decarbonization strategies while wrapped in a towel or racing snails to protest urban sprawl? These playful yet purposeful initiatives are sparking change and challenging us to rethink how we interact with our environment. Welcome to the new wave of eco-activism where you can participate locally and meet like-minds that feel globally.
The Climate-Fighting Saunas of Helsinki, Finland
In Helsinki, Finland, a city that we travelled to meet cleantech and loved, the traditional Finnish sauna is being reimagined as a hub for social innovation and environmental policy discussions. Communal saunas, such as the Kyro Sauna Bar, have become venues where locals gather to brainstorm and develop strategies for decarbonizing their neighborhoods. Finns meet in the sauna to discuss everything, including the economy. In fact, you can hear them talk about the cost of something in terms of “how many saunas”.
The Kyro Sauna Bar, as a pop-up bar/sauna, offers a relaxed setting where patrons can enjoy drinks in their bathrobes, fostering an atmosphere conducive to open dialogue and creative thinking.
This initiative leverages Finland’s deep-rooted sauna culture to address pressing climate issues, demonstrating how traditional practices can be adapted for modern challenges.
Goat-Led Urban Landscaping in Ghent and Kent and by Google
In Ghent, Belgium, an innovative approach to urban landscaping involves employed goats to manage overgrown vegetation in public spaces. This method utilizes the natural grazing habits of goats to clear invasive plants and maintain green areas. Goats are particularly effective in accessing difficult terrains and can consume a variety of plant species, making them ideal for ecological land management. We have done the same with chickens but they are harder to contain.
The goat idea caught on in the UK where residents have an opportunity to “adopt a goat,” to create a sense of ownership and connection to local green spaces. This approach enhances biodiversity, promotes sustainable urban development, and serves as an educational tool, raising awareness about alternative land management practices and the importance of ecological balance in urban environments. Over in the US you can rent a goat for about the same purpose. And apparently Google does this too.
Snail Racing to Protest Urban Sprawl –– Ready, Steady, Slow!
In Provence, France, and also in places like Norfolk, UK, residents have devised a whimsical yet impactful method to protest against urban sprawl and the expansion of highways: snail racing events.
In France, participants bring their own snails, and the events are accompanied by local wine and cheese, fostering a festive community atmosphere. Signs with slogans like “Slow is Beautiful” emphasize the message. This form of protest draws attention to the environmental and social consequences of rapid urban expansion, encouraging policymakers and developers to prioritize sustainable and community-friendly planning.
The snail races have garnered media attention, highlighting the power of creative, grassroots activism in influencing public discourse and policy decisions. At some race locations in France those who don’t win make it into the cooking pot. Ouch.
Paris’s Guerrilla Commuter Choirs
In Paris, France, guerrilla commuter choirs are rumored to have emerged as a form of spontaneous musical activism within the city’s metro system. These secret choirs assemble during rush hours, performing songs that focus on climate change, environmental awareness, and the beauty of nature. (Riding the train in Europe is an ecological thing –– find out about the Techno trains, sauna trains and folk trains here).
Anyone can confirm this happening?
Birdsong DJ Battles – Berlin, Germany
There are artistic initiatives in Berlin that blend music and nature to raise awareness about local bird species and environmental issues. For instance, the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin collaborated with techno DJ and ecologist Dominik Eulberg to create “biodiversity sound shows.” These performances combine electronic sounds with natural science, aiming to inspire audiences to appreciate and protect biodiversity.
Artists Janosch Becker and Hanna Komornitzyk have organized events like “To sing like a nightingale,” where they invite participants to explore urban spaces to listen to and learn about the songs of nightingales and skylarks in Berlin. These events highlight the presence of these birds in the city and encourage reflection on urban biodiversity.
In Berlin, Germany, can we imagine a future where the fusion of music and nature has given rise to Birdsong DJ Battles. Young DJs incorporate real-time birdsong samples into their sets, performing in community gardens and green spaces. Residents gather to enjoy the music and vote for the best “eco-mix,” with winners awarded plots to grow their own food?
The Bicycle Repair Raves – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Community and bike building: Located in Amsterdam Oost, Fietskliniek is a socially engaged bike workspace situated within the social-political center NieuwLand. They focus on recycling and repairing various types of bicycles using secondhand parts. The workspace offers DIY nights, allowing individuals to repair their bikes with provided tools and guidance. These sessions foster community involvement and promote sustainable practices.
The “Build Your Own Bike” program in Tel Aviv is a real and impactful initiative. Operated by Pnimeet, a community-focused organization, the program offers workshops where individuals can repair and construct their own bicycles. For an annual fee of 150 shekels, participants gain access to tools, spare parts, and guidance from volunteers, promoting sustainability by reducing waste and fostering a sense of community.
