Collecting waste, organising clean-ups, ensuring that the Tiergarten doesn’t descend into chaos on the big day – this may not sound like techno at first, but it’s essential when tens of thousands of people come together. You can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs – or rather, when crowds gather, trash (unfortunately) accumulates. And that trash has to be cleared away or, better still, ideally not created in the first place.

That’s exactly why there’s a team of dedicated helpers who make sure that euphoria doesn’t end up turning into a literal pile of rubble. One of them – responsible for planning, organisation and also raising environmental awareness – is Nadine. She coordinates volunteers, plans activities and conveys the spirit of responsible demonstration. In doing so, she shows that electronic music and environmental protection go hand in hand.

We met Nadine and talked to her about motivation, challenges and special moments.

‘Rave yes – but responsibly, please!’ Female power for sustainability at Rave The Planet

RTP: Hello Nadine! Great that you could find time for a chat, thank you! Today we want to talk about the extremely important topics of the environment and environmental protection at Rave The Planet and the extent to which you and your team are helping in this regard. Have you been doing this from the beginning?

Nadine: It’s still quite new for me. I’ve been part of the Eco-Team since April.

RTP: And you’re into electronic music…? (laughs)

Nadine: Yes, but for me it’s also about social development in a more united, respectful and open community. With increasing globalisation, I see this type of music creating a special connection between local and international sounds, while also being a way to bring people closer to different cultures around the world. I also think it’s a way of generating and sharing an idea that isn’t simply ‘served up’, but invites the recipient to become part of the message themselves.

RTP: You put that very nicely and succinctly. What were your first encounters with music and the scene?

Nadine: My earliest memories are of Jean-Michel Jarre’s records, which my father liked very much. I was about 5 or 6 years old at the time. I then moved on to electronic music via rock and punk. I found the scene to be very respectful, especially in Argentina. It’s not just about partying, but about sharing an idea and becoming part of a bigger message.

RTP: Okay, let’s take a look at your work with us. What exactly is the idea behind the Eco-Team?

Nadine: We actually have two goals. On one level, we want to raise awareness: how do we use the space at raves and how do we treat it? On another level, it’s very practical: showing that techno isn’t a throwaway culture. Everyone can take responsibility – even just by disposing of their own rubbish. This year, for example, I saw people collecting their rubbish in their own bags and neatly placing them at the edge of the field. These are small but important signs, and they show that the message is leading to a greater sense of responsibility within the community.

RTP: What does your job involve?

Nadine: This year, we have completely rethought the entire clean-up concept. That means a lot of research, emails, discussions, brainstorming sessions and scheduling appointments. We organise three major clean-ups a year: in April, right after the demonstration, and in November around Black Friday. And, of course, we coordinate activities on the day of the parade itself.

RTP: How is your team organised in principle and how are the tasks distributed?

Nadine: I work closely with the rest of the RTP team, but without Ellen Dosch-Roeingh and Verena in the RTP team, a lot of things wouldn’t be possible – they are extremely important when it comes to information and support. I tend to take care of research and planning, while others in the team provide hands-on support for the activities. In the end, we all work together like cogs in a wheel.

RTP: Could you perhaps summarise a little how you plan everything and how ecology and environmental protection are then implemented, or rather, which actions are carried out when and how?

Nadine: Sure, so in May 2025, I took on the role of head of the Eco-Team. Our first clean-up was actually the biggest of the year, as it takes place after the demonstration. We started planning several months in advance and called for volunteers to help. Coordinating with partners and organising materials are also important tasks.

RTP: And what typical challenges do you encounter in the process?

Nadine: One major challenge is estimating how much material – i.e. bin bags, litter pickers, gloves and high-visibility vests – is needed for each campaign, as we don’t require people to register in advance. At the last clean-up, there were more volunteers than expected – which was great, but we suddenly found ourselves short of bin bags and litter pickers. It’s a luxury problem, but still a challenge.

RTP: What do you do on the day of the event itself?

Nadine: We welcome the participants, hand out materials and divide them into teams. These teams are organised to cover different areas of the park. We remain in close contact with the team leaders and the core team at Rave The Planet in case support is needed in a particular area. This year, we had bicycles so we could move quickly between the collection points. We stay in contact with the team leaders and RTP throughout the day in case support is needed anywhere.

RTP: I see. In your opinion, has environmental awareness in the scene changed in principle, or are there new or different approaches or needs at the parade?

Nadine: Environmental awareness is more of a side issue at the parade, as the focus is elsewhere – which is perfectly fine, as there are also parades that focus specifically on sustainability and environmental protection. However, an important milestone in our demonstration is the deposit system and the ban on disposable plastic cups. Equally important is easy access to deposit collection points and rubbish bins. In addition, greater awareness of the importance of the Tiergarten as a biotope and its protection is of great importance so that people treat this place with more care.

Promotion of sustainability, environmental protection and culture

RTP: And how has working with us changed you personally in terms of music, community and environmental protection or sustainability?

Nadine: I didn’t expect a non-profit organisation focused on techno culture to also focus on sustainability. And I’m all the more pleased that these important social issues can work together to promote a more sustainable city and culture.

RTP: Is there anything crazy or funny that happened to you during a clean-up, for example?

Nadine: It may not be crazy or funny, but something that really impressed me was the large number of people who passed by the Brandenburg Gate and spontaneously decided to join in when they noticed that a clean-up event was just starting. I thought that was a wonderful sign of community spirit and a willingness to get involved in supporting the environment.

RTP: That’s the spirit! Final question to conclude: What experiences in your work or at the parades are particularly special to you?

Nadine: The openness of the people who actively help to organise the event and the friendliness of the people during the parade.