With inputs from Masha Schädlich & Esther Waweda of Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie (in German)

At the kick-off dinner “Degrowth Knowledge Bites,” there was a sustainable four-course menu accompanied by inputs from Masha Schädlich and Esther Waweda (Konzeptwerk Neue Ökonomie Leipzig). This format traditionally opens the festival and introduces the festival’s theme for the year, this time “Degrowth/Post-Growth.”

The two speakers chose to present the principles of the degrowth movement in the form of a short play. One of them visited the dinner guests from the future and told stories of life in a society where post-growth principles form the foundation of coexistence. This approach made the topic very tangible for the participants: they not only learned about the new principles but also received examples of how these could be applied in everyday life. After each input, a new course was served, and guests had the opportunity to discuss what they heard and share their own ideas with others at the table—all in a relaxed atmosphere with delicious food.

The format made the content especially memorable, providing participants with a solid knowledge base as well as many ideas for incorporating the principles into their own lives before they began the activities of the following festival days.