CARE X Forum Citizen Science 2024: “Zero waste in the wardrobe”

Does zero waste in the wardrobe work?

CARE’s German-based project partners, VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE e.V. and CSCP explored this question at this year’s Forum Citizen Science on 10 October in Hamburg. As part of a co-creation workshop, exciting solutions for households were developed and discussed with highly motivated participants, providing insights that could shape the future of sustainable clothing practices.

Citizen Science on the Rise 

The theme of this year’s Forum Citizen Science was “Mit:Wirkung”, meaning both ‘co-creation’ and ‘having an impact’. Elements of citizen science have been an integral part of the CARE project from the beginning, starting with a series of co-creation workshops over the summer and continuing into the planned pilot phase with 100 European households, starting in mid-2025. The Forum Citizen Science offered a unique opportunity to engage directly with consumers on sustainable clothing.  

Listening is Key: What Consumers Need 

Participants at CARE’s human centered design workshop at Forum Citizen Science on 10 October in Hamburg. | © Die Verbraucher Initiative e.V.

In collaboration, VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE and CSCP invited Forum attendees to join their workshop “Zero waste in the wardrobe”, where participants brainstormed practical ideas for a more sustainable approach to clothing. The workshop, designed as a multi-step process, included brainstorming and a group exercise based on the Walt Disney method.  

Participants first generated over 20 creative ideas on how to make clothing more circular. After voting on the most promising concept – an app that helps track clothes and accessories in your wardrobe and suggests new outfit combinations –, participants were divided into three groups: dreamers, realists, and critics. Each group contributed to development of the chosen idea by looking at it from different perspectives. 

A Question of Perspective 

“While the dreamers explored unlimited possibilities, the realists focused on feasibility”, said Miriam Bätzing, Head of Sustainability at VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE. “The critics, on the other hand, examined the risks and potential uncertainties.” This method ensured a comprehensive approach and allowed participants to think deeply and creatively about the challenges of sustainable clothing.  

“We were genuinely surprised by the innovative solutions that the participants came up with in just 90 minutes,” added Bätzing. “Once again, we see that our citizen science approach within CARE is really paying off.” 

As a think-and-do tank, CSCP played a crucial role in facilitating the workshop and ensuring that the outcomes were practical and actionable. CSCP’s Eva Rudolf shared her enthusiasm: “The workshop not only highlighted the power of collaboration, but also how citizen input can lead to tangible solutions that are more likely to be embraced and adopted. When solutions are co-created with those who will ultimately benefit from them, they are not only more relevant but also have a greater chance of making a real impact. It’s about connecting people with purpose and guiding them to co-create solutions for a sustainable future.” 

The results of this session will feed into the strategic planning of CARE‘s future pilots, providing direct consumer insight to shape the direction of the project. 

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