Place: Žalioji Street in Alytus, Lithuania
Timeframe: once a year
Participants: local community
Goal: community solidarity/public space/ sustainability
WHAT IS IT?
“Green dinner” is a public event on Žalioji Street in Alytus which brings together the city community and guests at common tables. This celebration is not only visually aesthetic and culturally valuable due to the invited performers, but it also unites the community and invites sustainability, solidarity and green goals.
The funds collected during the green dinner are allocated to the green initiative “Let’s return the pines to Alytus”, by buying and planting pine trees in selected areas of Alytus, giving priority to the territories of communities providing social services.
Green dinner not only has an impact on the environment and the landscape, but also strengthens the culture of donation and community gathering in the city. Not only that, but this dinner also contributes to the preservation of the natural-historical heritage (Alytus was a former resort town with an impressive pine forest that was destroyed after the loss of Lithuania’s independence). Planting a pine forest is also an act of citizenship.
The “Green Dinner” initiative expanded the range of environmental, responsible and cultural events in Alytus. The active involvement of the community showed its citizenship and will to be a part of meaningful changes, the works arising from the focus can grow into a living, green forest.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The first Green Dinner in 2022 was organized as part of the “Alytus – Lithuanian Capital of Culture 2022” programme. The dinner itself took place on Žalioji Street, where 44 tables with green tablecloths were set up and over 200 guests were seated. It raised €6004 for the initiative, the money was used to plant 80 pine trees on Žalioji Street, which is increasingly vibrant with life and culture. Another 50 pine trees were also planted near the Alytus City Social Services Centre and 30 at the Alytus Medical Rehabilitation and Sports Centre. In total, 160 pine trees were planted.
Donations of EUR 4,642 collected during the 2023 dinner have been transformed into well-grown pine trees, which will now delight Alytus residents near the Health Trail.
WHY WAS IT A SUCCESS?
Main take-aways: Citizen involvement in reforestation gives them the feeling of agency, increases involvement. The combination of sustainability topics and culture can strengthen the community but also the environment of a place. Events that are fun strengthen cohesion.
Combination of educational campaign, photo shoots, tastings and interactive promotions. The concert programme is an important part of the celebration. Elegance, friendliness and good manners are the key values of this picnic. The party guests will make it all meaningful just by being there, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for the evening, with green clothes, decorative items for the table or even green snacks.