Our first meeting will take place on September 21st in Simmering in the form of a storytelling café. At the beginning of the event, we will explain the project and the storytelling café method in detail. We will, of course, obtain explicit consent to document the stories anonymously and to take photographs during the event. The moderator will take careful notes on the stories, as these personal stories form the foundation for all further steps and possible measures, which we will subsequently document in a scientifically sound manner.
Format of the Storytelling Café: The focus is on sharing life stories related to safety in Simmering. What’s unique about this format is that, in addition to active storytelling, there’s also the attentive and appreciative reception of others‘ stories. There will be no discussion or judgment, and it’s not our goal to agree on a single „truth.“ Our experienced moderators will guide the conversation with insightful questions and ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their story. The storytelling session in the large group will be limited to a maximum of 1.5 hours.
Small group meetings in Simmering: Following the large storytelling session, we invite guests to share their experiences in smaller groups. We encourage them to gather in small groups, ideally where they meet people they don’t (yet) know and whose stories pique their interest. In these smaller groups, they will have another 45 minutes to exchange ideas in a more intimate setting and perhaps discover new perspectives on safety in Simmering.
Workshop: Consumption Reset – live more consciously, produce less waste ♻️🗑️
Consumer Reset sheds light on the e-waste madness and offers ways out of the compulsive consumerism🌍✨
Amid the growing debate about sustainability, Circular Vienna invites you to an interactive workshop under the motto „Consumer Reset – Live more consciously, produce less waste.“ The event will take place on November 27, 2025, at the GB* district office in Vienna and, as part of EWWR 2025 (European Week for Waste Reduction), will shed light on the growing problem of e-waste.
The workshop, led by Stella Wittmann, activist and founder of the former Plastic Planet Austria association, is aimed at anyone who wants to question their consumption and strive for a more sustainable lifestyle. The focus will be on strategies for escaping the cycle of excess and waste.
„The pressure to constantly own the latest is enormous and has disastrous consequences for our planet. With this workshop, we not only want to draw attention to the immense problem of e-waste, but above all, to demonstrate concrete and actionable ways in which each individual can initiate a true ‚consumer reset.‘ It’s about making conscious choices that not only improve our lives but also the environment,“ says Stella Wittmann.
Event highlights:
6:00 p.m.: Practical examples and interactive exercises on how to deal with consumer addiction.
7:00 p.m.: Three „Lightning Talks“ (5 minutes each) will explore various aspects of the e-waste problem.
Speakers:
Chieh Pan is an early-stage social entrepreneur whose motivation stems from a deep appreciation for social work. Observing how much time and energy social institutions have to invest in organizing in-kind donations and the additional emotional burden this places on people, led the team behind the startup in-kind to rethink this area and critically examine its connection to consumption. The focus is on the principles of the circular economy, inclusion, and awareness-raising. Professional experience in the media and technology industry, as well as their engagement with the digital maturity of Austrian social institutions in managing in-kind donations, form the basis for their commitment to social innovation.
Peter Bernscherer is a key figure in the Austrian IT community and is strongly committed to digital inclusion. As chairman of PCs für Alle, a non-profit organization based in Vienna, he leads an organization that collects, refurbishes, and donates used computers to people in need, schools, and social institutions. Bernscherer’s work contributes significantly to narrowing the digital divide and providing low-income people with access to technology and education. Under his leadership, PCs für Alle has developed into an important resource for sustainable hardware recycling and social support.
A panel discussion moderated by Doris Holler-Bruckner will discuss strategies for a more sustainable use of consumer goods. The discussion will be broadcast live.
The event offers practical insights and effective strategies for a more sustainable lifestyle, in line with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Event details:
What: Workshop „Consumer Reset – Live more consciously, produce less waste“
When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: GB*District Office, Quellenstraße 149, 1100 Vienna
Who: Stella Wittmann (Facilitator), Doris Holler-Bruckner (Panel Discussion)
Topic: Conscious Consumption, eWaste, EWWR 2025
