Work Experience Placement at Buy Food with Plastic

Especially during the Christmas season, we take time for one another. This seems like a good opportunity to share a glimpse of our Zurich-based team through the eyes of someone who visited the team for the first time.

That person is me, Selina Facciotto, a student at the University of Zurich’s Faculty of Communication Sciences with a keen interest in human rights and the environment.

It is understandable that my curiosity was piqued after reading the name of the organisation in an internship advertisement. This turned into genuine interest when I visited the organisation’s website. Complex problems require innovative solutions.

However, the idea of this solution taking the form of plastic bottles as “currency” for food seems fascinating to me. And thanks to the efforts of many people worldwide, it is no longer just a theory, but a reality.

I cannot deny that this inspired me. That is why, some time later, I found myself standing at the door of the Charity Gallery, Buy Food with Plastic’s main location in the heart of Zurich, applying for a trial day.

Despite the cold that has settled in Switzerland, I received a warm welcome from the entire team. The office, the Charity Gallery, consists of a single room with an island of desks in the centre, where everyone is focused on their work. However, it is not a conventional office space: the team has put a lot of effort into making the room open and welcoming. In addition to plants hanging from the ceiling, there are lamps whose shades seem to be holding a beauty pageant.

The passion for the organisation and the values behind its idea is clearly evident. They speak proudly about their work, and their enthusiasm is infectious. The warm atmosphere made it easy for me to feel comfortable. From my perspective, there was no noticeable pressure at work. No one took issue with anyone’s individual way of working.

Because of my ADHD and unilateral hearing loss, I use headphones and need to eat from time to time. There is also a box the size of a telephone booth that allows a team member to withdraw when they need some quiet. The organisation makes it possible to reach one’s full potential, regardless of a person’s background, expertise, or knowledge.

Admittedly, my brief account of the trial day sounds like promotional copy, but that is truly how I experienced the day. I do have one small complaint: no matter how welcoming everyone is, the team is still missing a fluffy team member in the form of a cat or dog (this criticism is meant with a wink).

Despite this minor “flaw,” I would still love to be able to walk through the door of the Charity Gallery again, to make a small contribution to the organisation myself and to help introduce you to it through words, images, and videos. After all, I would like to gain experience in communicating on behalf of a non-profit organisation, as I intend to continue working in this field.

One or more ideas are already swirling around in my head about what my contribution could look like and what I might be able to put into practice next year. Whether that will happen will be decided in the coming days. This trial day was an opportunity to get to know one another. We are all taking some time to process our impressions before deciding whether I will be able to undertake a six-month internship at Buy Food with Plastic or whether it is not the right fit after all.