Awareness-raising on food consumption and sustainability, education for sustainable development
WeltTellerFeld
Public Education Project
Vienna, Austria
WeltTellerFeld is an educational project that aims to raise awareness of the environmental impact of food choices through visual and interactive tools. The project focuses on the relationship between food, land use and sustainability, making the public aware of the link between consumption and natural resources.
The WeltTellerFeld is an interactive educational site in Vienna that illustrates the complex interconnections of the global food system on a tangible plot of land. Spanning approximately 3,000 square meters, it represents the agricultural area required to sustain the annual food consumption of an average person in Austria. The field is divided to show that 45% of our food originates domestically, while 55% is imported. Additionally, it highlights that 67% of the area is dedicated to pasture and fodder crops for animal products, with the remaining 33% used for plant-based foods.
The primary goal of WeltTellerFeld is to raise awareness of the hidden aspects of food consumption—such as the land, natural resources, and labor involved—and to inspire individuals to adopt sustainable dietary habits. By offering an engaging, real-world representation of food production, the initiative encourages visitors to reflect on their choices and promotes a more sustainable and responsible approach to food consumption.
Visitors can explore the field independently, guided by informational panels and interactive stations. The project offers tailored educational experiences for both children and adults, providing hands-on opportunities to engage with the food system. The activities pause during the winter, with operations resuming in March or April as planting, maintenance, and educational programs continue.
WeltTellerFeld has successfully provided a tangible, visually engaging representation of the impact of food choices. By fostering awareness and offering practical knowledge, the initiative empowers individuals to make informed, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly decisions. Through continued education and adaptation based on visitor feedback, WeltTellerFeld remains a valuable resource in promoting a more sustainable food system.
The WeltTellerFeld’s educational approach is simple but effective, translating complex data into clear and visually appealing messages. Visitors become more aware of the impact of their food choices, with a positive effect on sustainability. In addition, the project fosters dialogue between different generations and social groups, encouraging a more responsible lifestyle.
To replicate this initiative, it is essential to collaborate with experts in sustainability and visual communication. Information panels must be attractive and based on accurate data. Furthermore, it is important to ensure accessibility to all visitors, including translations and adaptations for the visually impaired. Gathering feedback from participants enhances the educational experience.
The objective of the Gardeniser Academy project is to support the development of community gardens in Europe by offering online training contents tailored to the needs and expectations of gardeners all over Europe.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
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