Cleaning up for a nicer office neighbourhood
On 3.7.2024 we set off with a group of more than 20 IMCD colleagues on a mission to clean up the neighbourhood. Equipped with bin bags and gloves, no cigarette butt, bottle cap or folding chair was safe from us. We fanned out from the office in small groups in all directions, taking the opportunity to meet colleagues from other parts of the IMCD departmental universe during the event. We had a common goal: as the weather got worse, the bin bags got fatter and the neighbourhood around our office got a little cleaner.
Our trophies
Yellow pages, scooters, chairs - we came, we saw, we collected. We were also supported by passers-by, who rewarded our efforts with encouragement and extra equipment, including a pair of barbecue tongs to improve our cigarette butt collection rate.
Our reward
When the work was done, we were rewarded with delicious ice cream. 6 fantastic flavours, from raspberry and white chocolate to Tahitian lime and mint, tasted great even in the bad Cologne weather and brought a little bit of summer to the city.
The origins and history of the campaign
Since 2002, the citizens of Cologne have been campaigning for a clean and liveable city under the motto ‘Kölle Putzmunter’. This initiative, launched by the City of Cologne, has established itself as an integral part of city life and is a successful example of local commitment and community responsibility.
‘Kölle Putzmunter’ was launched to make the city of Cologne cleaner and to raise the environmental awareness of its residents. The initiative began over two decades ago and has continued to develop ever since. The annual campaigns and cleaning activities have become an important date in the diaries of many Cologne residents.
Who can take part?
One of the most remarkable features of ‘Kölle Putzmunter’ is the broad participation of the population. Anyone who lives or works in Cologne can take part in the campaigns. This includes individuals, families, school classes, clubs and companies, such as IMCD Germany. Participation is easy and is supported by the City of Cologne by providing materials such as bin bags, gloves and grabbing tongs.
We are also planning further campaigns at our other location in Hamburg.
‘Kölle Putzmunter’ is more than just a cleaning campaign; it is an expression of the collective will to make Cologne a clean, beautiful and liveable city. The initiative has celebrated many successes over the past few years and raised awareness of cleanliness and environmental protection.
We at IMCD will gladly continue to participate!