The Rotterdam Collective is a new concept for interdisciplinary collaboration in the heart of Rotterdam, focused on environmentally and socially innovative projects in its local community.
The Rotterdam Collective Principles
Companies harness the force of other people through economic transactions. Governments do it through coercion or legal instruments. Our model of collective action is based on voluntary engagement. We believe that people, when given free reign over their time, their energy, and their choices, can create deeply satisfying lives for themselves while contributing to a richer and better world for everyone around them. The following principles serve as a general guideline for our behavior as a small and outline some of the core values we adhere to as a Collective. As we grow and change, so might these principles.
We have shared facilities and resources; we avoid overcapacity in our equipment; we have a preference for super-used, reused, or recycled materials; we only travel when necessary and preferably by human power or public transport; we use efficient lighting and appliances; we avoid disposable products; we use non-toxic and ecological materials; we buy fair trade products; we recycle; our official events are vegetarian and smoke-free; and we grow lots of plants!
On a more philosophical level: we understand and apply Life Cycle Thinking; we use peer-reviewed data in our sustainability decision making; we support ecological economics; and we "offset" our carbon by direct action rather than through shady financial mechanisms.
We don't believe that profit is an end in itself. Our actions recognize the existence of other values: cultural, aesthetic, historical, personal experience, quality of life, and the intrinsic value of ecosystems and species.
All members have their own, independent entrepreneurial functions, but also have the opportunity to participate in larger projects in synergistic teams. These larger projects are actively solicited by the collective's members.
The collective operates under a set of jointly-agreed principles that encompass some of the organization's key philosophies: a commitment to sustainability, a belief in social responsibility, the use of open source technologies and knowledge sharing, and the recognition of values beyond just profit. These principles were also used in the renovation of the Ro-Co space, which had previously stood empty for over a decade. Only the eco-friendliest materials and techniques available were used, and all labor was provided by the volunteer efforts of the Ro-Co community.
Ro-Co is the physical embodiment of the network generation. Through our shared projects, we hope to be a force of positive energy and change within our home city, and we believe that together, we can contribute to making the world at large a more beautiful and inspiring place.
Other Else Later - the Rotterdam Collective and de Zwarte Hond present a movie and discussion night in cooperation with Roodkapje. Every Thursday at 7pm, free. See below for details |
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Ro-Co operates under a set of principles concerning environmental, social and business aspects of its operation.
