Why is it easier to throw away than to give away? Climate Café as part of the Polska Rozmawia campaign

An old chest of drawers after grandma, chairs that do not fit in the new kitchen, a bookcase that did not fit after the move. Every thing has a story, but all too often it ends up in the dumpster, even though for someone else it might just be beginning.

Why is it sometimes easier to throw away something that is still suitable for use than to find a new owner for this thing? Does fixing things still pay off? What makes some people happy to use second-hand items and others prefer to buy new ones? And what would have to change to make giving, exchanging and repairing things easier in Gdynia?

During the second Climate Café meeting, we will talk about things that could serve us longer. About our daily choices, habits and experiences. About what we succeed, but also about what can be difficult, uncomfortable or simply unprofitable.

Because although there is more and more talk about the circular economy and the reduction of waste, in practice it is about very everyday things: clothes from older siblings, the neighbor's drill, a repaired lamp, exchanges, lumpexes and furniture that can still be saved. It is also a question of how to use things and resources more responsibly, for the benefit of the climate, the environment and ourselves.

The meeting is part of the nationwide action Polska Rozmawia, organized by the New Community Foundation.

On October 19-25, people meet in many places in Poland to talk about the climate, share experiences and get to know different points of view. Our conversation in Gdynia about things and their second life joins this initiative.

As always, there will be no lecture or one correct answer at Climate Café. It will be a space to talk, ask questions and learn from each other together. Where in Gdynia can you return, repair or exchange something? What works and what do we lack? Maybe someone next door knows the solution you are looking for, or maybe it is you who have experience that will be useful to others.

We will also look at the project Big Things in Gdynia/Give Next, which examined how a city service giving a second life to furniture and equipment could work. Instead of going to the dimensions, such objects could serve other residents, organizations or creators. Those involved in the project will tell about their experiences: what succeeded, what turned out to be a challenge and what this experiment taught the city. It will also be a starting point for a common conversation about what solutions we need in Gdynia.

You don't have to be an expert, a climate activist or live a zero-waste lifestyle. You don't have to have ready answers either.

All you need is curiosity, your own experiences and the desire to listen to others.

Admission is free.

Take your mug with you, because it is good to talk over a warm drink. We provide boiling water, coffee and tea.

Organizers: Department of Climate of the City of Gdynia, Laboratory of Social Innovation, Tricity Climate Hub.