Po-Dzielnia was created is 2018 by a team of activists and volunteers from Poznań, Poland and is the first freeshop (a place where you can bring preloved goods and take whatever is in stock at the moment that was left there by others like you) and sharing economy center in Poland (organizing meetings and debates on zero waste philosophy and promoting upcycling through workshops and repair cafés). The mission of Po-Dzielnia is not only to extend the lifecycle of consumer goods and help those in need, but also to teach people to use what they already have instead of buying everything brand-new. The project would not have been possible without the support of various public institutions, non-government organizations and private donors.
Which problem does the practice try to solve?
People in the world generate to much waste. This economic model should be changed to an economic model based on assumption that the value of products, materials and resources is to be maintained in the economy as long as possible to ultimately reduce waste generation to a minimum.
What are the solution to address the problem?
Po-dzielnia is the first this kind freeshop in Poland. Everything is for free, for the customers and the environment. The main idea is to reduce the waste by sharing of various material goods or services, to promote the upcycling process or reworking the old one by giving new quality. Giveboxes are the lead products which were built with the local community during the workshops.The project unites the activists for sustainable consumption and draws attention to the reduction of waste, sharing of various material goods and services, promoting the upcycling process by repair and renovation.
What are the beneifts for the user/community?
Targeting the zero waste idea, the least amount of waste that can’t be further processed, the essence of circular economy on local level. It also helps the poor and raise environmental awareness in society at all.
How are CE principles addressed?
Putting second hand items into the CE circle, no waste principle and CE education of the serviece users