Rügen focuses on sustainability: Week of Alternatives starts soon!

Rügen focuses on sustainability: Week of Alternatives starts soon!

The picturesque island of Rügen is all about sustainability. From September 24th to October 1st, 2025, the 11th Week of Sustainable Alternatives will be celebrated. A highlight will be the market for sustainable alternatives, which will take place on September 26th and 27th in the Putbusser Marstall. Here, residents, clubs and administration present their tips and solutions to protect the environment and keep the region livable. The focus is on topics such as marine pollution caused by ghost nets and their creative transformation into sustainable products, such as jewelry. The event will attract both locals and tourists interested in a climate-friendly future.

The market offers a wealth of offerings: from regional food and sustainable everyday helpers to handicrafts and information about nature. The major topics of meat consumption and regional food as well as the switch to sustainably produced raw materials are at the center of the event. Experts from the district are doing valuable educational work about climate-friendly nutrition and the “Regional Eating Culture” project is being presented to show how sustainable business can be achieved together. Access is mostly free of charge, only the tourist tax applies. There are numerous participation activities for everyone involved.

Diverse offers and promotions

Rügen has thought of a whole range of events for this week. A total of around 40 program items include guided hikes, cycling and herbal excursions as well as creative upcycling workshops and mindfulness formats. There is also a lot to discover for the youngest visitors: family and children's activities are also planned. Musical performances and lectures round off the program so that there is something for every taste.

In addition, at the end, on October 1st, a shepherd's festival will be celebrated in Groß Zicker, which will highlight the long-standing commitment to climate and species protection. The ranger tours and community planting campaigns promote awareness of the importance of local nature and its conservation.

Focus on our oceans

A central theme of Sustainability Week is marine pollution, a problem that has come increasingly into focus in recent years. According to the United Nations, much more needs to be done in this area. The oceans are suffering from acidification, declining fish stocks and growing plastic pollution, contributing to biodiversity loss. The destruction of the largest ecosystem on earth affects us all and shows how important it is to protect our waters. Related actions are not only relevant for the preservation of the coasts, but also for the entire environment, because a healthy sea affects the well-being of the entire planet. The region is already leading the way in combating these challenges and would like to use this event to raise awareness of these issues.

The organizers invite everyone interested to work together towards a sustainable future and to get actively involved. Whether by supporting local products or by expanding your knowledge of environmentally conscious actions, there are many opportunities to find out more and take active action. The event is therefore not only a market of alternatives, but also a meeting point for networking and shared learning, where everyone can contribute their part to the future of the region.

For further information about the entire Sustainability Week on Rügen, visit the website of NDR and Rügen.de. The UN's global goals for sustainable development, particularly Goal 14, also support the fight against marine pollution and will be the focus of discussions throughout the week. In this context, the BMZ provides information about the challenges and progress in the area of ​​marine protection.