„We have to make it mainstream. Like there is no other way" - Anna Wohlrab, DingsDumsDumplings

The topic of food waste - or better anti-food waste - has popped up a lot in my life lately - and I’m so grateful that (apart from all the daunting numbers of how much food is being wasted) it mainly came up with a positive solution in tow.

Usually in the form of a dedicated group of people, who tackles this issue, without waiting until governments or the big players out there do something. They have an epiphany that there’s just too much food waste and we gotta do something about it. Baaam! 

That’s exactly what happened to today’s interview guest & her co-founders. And I’m so excited that we finally make this interview happen with Anna from DingsDums Dumplings (@dingsdumsdumplings)!

Saving food alone is great, but then there’s the question what to do with all these 5 million tons of edible food that us Germans throw away each year? How to turn them into something that’s tasty and extends its shelf life even further?

Together the three young founders, Jillian, Mauritz and Anna found a way to make it happen: As DingsDums Dumplings, they are creating super delicious dumplings from surplus food.

In this interview you'll learn about:

• The entire thought process & trial and error sessions that happened before the actual launch of DingsDums Dumplings
• The moment that triggered the three to quit their jobs & to do something about food waste
• How important it is to focus on the core thing: a strong product (that looks great, tastes delicious)
• How to deal with non-believers in your environment - and proving them all wrong
• One thing Anna is most proud of at the moment
• Who or what inspired her most on her way
• Her secrets to overcome challenges and always stay motivated
• How Jilliane creates new recipes on the spot over and over again
• How to be in for the long game
• Why it’s important to surround yourself with the right people
• The power of starting small & convincing the big players
• The meaning of being awarded by the Federal Government
• Some big future plans of DingsDums Dumplings, e.g. to conquer supermarkets
• And of course heaps of more personal anecdotes & insights

Hope you’re ready for an episode that leaves you inspired & hungry for more!

>> Now, without any further ado, get ready for Anna from DingsDums Dumplings  >>

Show Notes & links mentioned:

• Connect with Anna, Jilliane & Mau on Facebook | on Instagram
• Podcast interview Mealsaver (Episode 7) 
• Federal Award: “Zu gut für die Tonne”
• Podcast interview SirPlus (Episode 17) 
• Zero waste café Isla Coffee Berlin

Supporters' shout out:

This episode has been supported by our friends at bookitgreen, who are - just as us - working to get people excited about greener ways of travelling.

You all know I am a strong believer in the power of travel for good & think that connecting across cultures & borders is key to building a kind, compassionate & caring global community. At the same time, we have to be super mindful about our footprint.

bookitgreen is an online platform, a startup from Berlin, that makes it easy to find and book sustainable accommodations - really great places, usually not part of a big multinational chain. Their goal is to bring together all the accommodations that do the right thing and offer exactly what mindful travellers are looking for - without having to compromise a bit. You can find tons of beautiful hotels, B&B’s and lodges in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Switzerland, with plans to cover more of Europe soon.

There’s an awesome, dedicated team behind bookitgreen who really cares. So go check them out at bookitgreen.com

As always just a few quick final shout outs before leaving you:

...If you took value out of this episode, please share it with your friends and leave us a short review on iTunes. Your feedback is important to make the show better and spread the messages to more people. Thanks so much for supporting us! 

...All tour news from the GreenMe universe: check out our tour website with lots of great routes and experiences to choose from. If you are looking out for a unique urban experience, get in touch & book a tour with us. Makes a pretty awesome team event, too :)

...Wanna jump to the next level & learn how a world without waste, less overconsumption & more human connection could look like? Check out our Circular Economy Tours at www.circulareconomytours.com

...If you’re a foodie and prefer to explore on your own, make sure to check out our huge vegan brunch guide featuring our favorite plant-based havens & fill your bellies with vibrant nourishing food from nature. Hop on over to our Best of Vegan Brunch…. ENJOY

...Lastly, if you wanna stay up to date with the latest interviews, green events, tours and our explorations in the Berlin green scene, sign up for our monthly newsletter. We got a little thank you if you do so: we’ll send you our best-of guide to 7 of awesome eco-minded places in the city for free.  

Thanks so much for listening! Now go out, soak in some positive future vibes - and always be prepared to be amazed!