On 21 October 2019, the event "Re-Use Berlin – neue Perspektiven für Gebrauchtwaren" (new perspectives for used goods) took place from 6 to 9 PM in Berlin's Urania. Ambassadors of reusing from Berlin presented their "stories" and visions, while business, administration and civil society representatives discussed existing approaches and sustainable ideas. 100 people participated in the event.

Waste is harmful to the environment, it loses precious resources and it damages the cityscape. In order to drastically reduce the amount of waste that ends up in i.e. the gray residual waste bins, Berlin has committed itself to the principle of 'zero waste'. The aim is, among other things, to increase the reuse of used goods (such as used electrical appliances, clothes/textiles and furniture).

Under the slogan "Wiederverwenden statt wegwerfen" (reuse instead of throwing away), the initiative Re-Use of the Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Transport and Climate Protection thus promotes the increased reuse of used goods, less waste and more ecological production cycles.

This presupposes that attractive and high-quality second-hand goods are made available – and that the demand for second-hand goods increases. In order to supplement existing offers of second-hand goods, e.g. through Second-Hand shops and social department stores, and to reach more sectors of the population, department stores "of the future" are to be developed, established and operated in cooperation with public, private, non-profit and charitable organisations in the Berlin city area. In the medium term, 3-4 such department stores are to be built in Berlin.

In these "department stores of the future" used products and objects from (private) households are given a new or prolonged life and thus a new future with new owners. Through refurbishment, repair and upcycling, used goods can remain or become something special, useful and valuable for a new future. Educational opportunities, creative product exhibitions, trainings and workshops support the exchange and help impart do-it-yourself skills and networks for joint ideas and their implementation. In addition, carefully selected and sustainable catering invites you to refresh yourself and linger.