Tangibly Sustainable
A low-impact building shines a light on a new way of consuming.
In December 2020, global Italian grocery-eatery chain Eataly made a seemingly bold move to open a five-floor retail park dedicated entirely to “Respect and Nature” in its home city of Turin.
Named Green Pea, the building features geothermal wells, newest-generation solar panels, piezoelectric floors, air-purifying walls, mini wind turbines, and rainwater harvesting. It hosts sustainable-minded brands from fashion, furniture, and electric cars along with restaurants, a museum, and a club.
Yet perhaps most intriguingly, Green Pea doesn’t sell online. Their sleek website and App present everything from their manifesto to patron privileges like accessing their rooftop pool and spa. However, if you are tricked into clicking the deceiving “shop online” button, you will be kindly reminded to visit the physical location to “discover products and services that allow you to reduce your impact on the environment and make your active contribution to Sustainability.”
As the vast majority of people want the world to become more sustainable and equitable rather than return to the status quo, they also wish to make significant changes in their own lives.In an era when people are rethinking their consumption habits and relationship to nature, perhaps Green Pea isn't so bold to bet on profit and growth living together in harmony with sustainability.
Sources: Green Pea | Ipsos (September 16, 2020) | Image: Green Pea