Allison Paul
Project Coordinator
Goethe-Institut Washington
Let's Talk Sustainability
Podcast
From energy consulting to environmental activism: The Goethe-Institut USA's podcast Let’s Talk Sustainability highlights the inspiring efforts of young changemakers across Germany striving for a fairer and more sustainable future. Each episode spotlights one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delving into innovative solutions and personal stories that drive progress on critical global challenges.
Water Protection Starts in the Washing Machine
Episode 1: Leonie and Zoe (SDG 6)
Two sisters from Friedberg take on the fight against microplastics: While Zoe researches the state of local lakes and rivers, Leonie works on a filter for washing machines that is designed to prevent the particles from getting into the environment in the first place.Goethe-Institut Washington
Fighting COVID-19 Through Digital Innovation
Episode 2: Noah (SDG 3)
In the early days of the pandemic, even daily tasks became a huge burden for many. Noah Adler from Berlin quickly recognized this—and took action. Or rather: he enabled others to act, with Coronaport, a website that allows that allows people to help others.Goethe-Institut Washington
Full Power to Save Energy
Episode 3: Clara (SDG 7)
Clara Bauer and her team from energyECO advise schools and daycares in Berlin on how to become more energy efficient. Conserving energy not only lowers their operational costs, it also helps to protect the environment by reducing greenhouses gases.Goethe-Institut Washington
Together against Antisemitism
Episode 4: Malte (SDG 16)
Malte Kreyer from Hamburg has been campaigning against this for years. After an attack on a Jewish student in the neighborhood, he and his comrades-in-arms activated the whole school for a large solidarity action against anti-Semitism.Goethe-Institut Washington
How To Make a School Plastic-Free
Episode 5: Kilian (SDG 14)
Despite recycling efforts, several million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year. For this reason, Kilian Wolter from Norderstedt launched the "Kooperation Antiplastik" at his school. Their goal: to make their school plastic-free.Goethe-Institut Washington
Saving Cities By Bike
Episode 6: Lena (SDG 11)
Green light for climate friendly transportation solutions: Lena Becker from Hamburg spent a whole year working on the mobility turnaround in her home city. But what does mobility turnaround actually mean? And how far has Lena come?Goethe-Institut Washington
Further Reading
Cutting Down Trees for a Butterfly
Episode 7: Marius (SDG 15)
Marius Krebs from Lindau on Lake Constance regularly uproots trees and builds dams. By doing so, he takes care of a special type of landscape, namely boglands. They serve an important function, helping to mitigate climate change and protect biodiversity.Goethe-Institut Washington
How To Make Colored Plastics Greener
Episode 8: Clara, Doro and Bastian (SDG 12)
Plastics are often made from petroleum and other harmful chemicals. But do they have to be? Clara, Doro and Bastian from Erfurt asked themselves this question. To find an answer, they went to the lab where they found a way of making plastics a little greener.Goethe-Institut Washington
A Sleeping Car for the Homeless
Episode 9: Liza (SDG 1)
Liza Popal from Hamburg developed a sleeping car for the homeless: During the day, it is a normal hand cart in which belongings can be stowed and transported. At night, it can be transformed into a sleeping pad that protects from cold weather and the elements.Goethe-Institut Washington
Counting Flowers for Biodiversity
Episode 10: Jakob (SDG 2)
Biodiversity is in decline almost everywhere on earth. Some experts consider this to be as serious a threat as climate change. Can counting flowers make a difference? Jakob Nolte from Laubach emphatically says yes. He also makes persuasive arguments.Goethe-Institut Washington
Der Podcast im Unterricht
Für Lehrende, die mit dem Podcast im Unterricht arbeiten wollen, stehen hier didaktisch aufbereitete Materialien zu den Themen der jeweiligen Folgen bereit.