160 exhibitors – including 55 from Upper Austria – present their ideas and products for a better world at the WeFair in the Design Center. The palette ranges from handcrafted ecological carpets and fair fashion trends to regional organic specialties and clever ideas for saving the planet.
One of the highlights: the German label Langbrett. “This is a group of surfers and nature lovers who invented the Guppyfriend,” explains Wolfgang Pfoser-Almer, Managing Director of WeFair. “You put synthetic materials in there before you put them in the washing machine. The ingenious thing about it is that the bag doesn’t let any microplastic through. A simple solution to such a big environmental problem.”
Would you like another example? The duo “Snorre”. “The two young Viennese make stylish planters from old slatted frames and have already won several design awards with them.”
Also new this year is the so-called “green board”, a platform that provides sustainable jobs.
Strategies against the crises
And that’s exactly what the WeFair, which is taking place for the 15th time this year, is all about: “Forging ideas and showing ways to a better future,” says Pfoser-Almer. In times of one of the worst energy crises, this is more important than ever before, emphasized the Greens’ regional councilor and patron of the event, Stefan Kaineder, at the press conference. All the topics that are now occupying us so intensively have been discussed at WeFair for years: from renewable energy to climate protection, from regional production and organic farming to species protection. “You could say: WeFair already has all the strategies for combating the crisis in its founding DNA.”
More information about the fair:
- Who: Behind the WeFair is the “Association for the Promotion of a Fair and Ecological Lifestyle”, which is supported by the NGOs Südwind, GLOBAL 2000 and the climate alliance.
- When: From October 7th to 9th in the Linz Design Center.
- How much: Tickets cost 8.50 euros in advance and nine euros at the box office. OÖNcard holders receive a two euro discount. All day tickets are valid for the entire weekend of the trade fair.
- What else: In addition to the stands, there is an extensive supporting program for visitors with workshops, lectures (e.g. by influencer Jana Klar on the opening day) and art performances.
Source: Nachrichten
