A peek into the future of fashion activism with eclectic berlin

On our blue planet, it seems like we have an endless supply of accessible water. However, only 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater, and most of that three percent is inaccessible to us. Our waters are polluted now more than ever, and a shift in consumer behaviour is critical to push us into preserving our environment.

As consumers, the decision to reduce waste is made in the products we choose to purchase, and the clothes we choose to wear. In response to environmental threats from pollution, eclectic berlin set out to create a “prototype of how the fashion industry can look like.” Not only are their pieces second hand, but 50% of their profits are donated to projects that support environmental and community initiatives. To add the cherry on top, you can choose what project you’d like to support when purchasing items, and all projects campaign for clean waters.

Based in Germany, eclectic berlin is an online shop that prompts fashion lovers so they can save resources and reduce waste. Continue reading for my Q&A with co-founder Hannah Ringwald.

What initially sparked the idea for eclectic berlin? 

H: eclectic berlin was born in a small bar in the middle of Berlin in early 2017. We had just completed a coaching course and while meeting in a cosy Berlin bar we were discussing our future visions and dreams. Lisa and me were both motivated to act and contribute to a world we would like our children to live in.

We love fashion – but asked ourselves: How can we enjoy beautiful clothes that express who we are when their production and consumption cause environmental destruction? With eclectic berlin, we set an example by doing business in fashion differently. We want to bring more consciousness in our consumption-oriented world and show that it is possible to buy beautiful things without exploiting the environment – and even more: contributing to a greater good.

Instead of using up resources, each consumer decision leaves a positive trace. 50 percent of our profits are donated to projects that add value to the earth instead of harming it.

Founding eclectic berlin while working as well in other jobs, which we both love and care about, is of course a big-time challenge. But when you are committed to a cause it does not feel like working, it feels like doing the right thing.

How do you choose what environmental projects to support?

H: In times when a shift in consumer behaviour is needed more than ever, eclectic berlin was born as a response to environmental threats. Water covers 70 percent of our planet, and it is easy to think that it will always be plentiful. However, only 3 percent is fresh water, out of which we can access only one-third. And this one-third gets polluted by the way we consume and treat mother earth more and more every day. That’s why we focus on projects that campaign for clean waters.

With each second-hand piece our customers buy from eclectic berlin, they support one out of three featured projects – and they can select which one.

For us it is important that the customers can make an active choice for a project they want to support through their purchase. By choosing actively, people are given their responsibility back and are reminded that their choices do have a broader impact – which in our case is extremely positive! Our hope is that this positive experience will then lead to a change of consumption patterns in other areas.

Tell me more about the phrases you put on the clothing like “Doubt” and “Love is Louder.” Why did you choose these words and phrases?

H: The two slogans represent parts of our belief system and also what eclectic berlin stands for. If you want to change something just do it and don’t doubt the idea or yourself too much. We need more change-makers in the world who have the guts of just doing it!

We also belief that one of the main reasons why we have so much destruction in our world – either towards other humans, animals or the environment, is the absence of love. In the end the healing recipe for environmental pollution, animal cruelty or lack of solidarity with other people is L O V E.

What inspired the name eclectic berlin?

H: The term eclectic goes back to the ancient Greek and it means choosing the best from diverse sources. And that is exactly what we do! On the one hand we are offering a handpicked selection of good quality second hand and vintage clothing and on the other hand these pieces become a force for positive change.

To learn more about eclectic berlin and see their clothing items, visit http://www.ecleticberlin.com/.

You can also follow them on instagram @eclecticberlin!