The meaning in English of the acronym is even longer, `Ecological People and Environmental Friendly Activities and Product Development.' Not far from campus inside the Ecocentrum Emma, you will discover a whole range of organic food products, but also superb wines, flowers and plants, handmade gifts from Fair Trade and an earthy atmosphere. If you are lucky, the fireplace will be lit in the shop during rainy and cold winter days.
Susanne Groten, Ecologist and former assistant professor of Sustainable Production Systems at the ITC, founded the ecocentre after 25 years of work in international cooperation with organisations in Africa, India and Europe.
Groten thinks, `Europe and Enschede need to increase efforts for sustainable development as much as developing countries.' She says, `Nowadays, we talk about environmental issues as if such knowledge is common knowledge, but organic products have not yet achieved 3 percent of the Dutch market, which lags behind the advances and dynamic developments occurring in other European countries.'
According to Groten, `People like to talk about participatory and bottom-up approaches while still buying products that are produced at factories in poor countries, mostly,' she claims, `by workers who themselves don't have the chance for self-determination.'
Groten reflects about her own efforts in Enschede, `Ecocentrum Emma - having started small scale with limited means - is aiming at gradually becoming a nursing ground for small sustainable enterprises,' further she adds, `Because private initiatives are good, collaboration is even better. In order to be successful - while doing business - we need to inspire each other, transfer ideas, create contacts and knowledge on every aspect of sustainable development and living.' When you are in the neighborhood of the Emmastraat, pay Ecocentrum Emma a visit, Groten speaks perfect English and offers interesting workshops. It's not just a place to buy organic food, but a way of living.
For further information visit the website: http://www.ecocentrumemma.nl/
