Graphic: larryrains | Cesar von Meissen
Clean magic on Baldeneysee and in the Essen city area
Sauber Zauber is the garbage collection campaign in which citizens of the city of Essen voluntarily remove the waste and litter left behind by others at Baldeneysee and throughout the city of Essen. The campaign is already celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. All information about the Sauber Zauber campaign can be found at Baldeneysee.Ruhr.
Collect waste and avoid waste
Sauber Zauber is a nationwide environmental (education) project that is carried out in many German cities. The aim of the project is to raise awareness of environmental protection and cleanliness in the community. The main aim is to remove litter from public spaces, parks, recreational areas, playgrounds and streets. At the same time, topics such as waste avoidance, recycling and environmental protection can be informed and discussed.
With collecting fork on Baldeneysee
Alongside private individuals, many local clubs can be seen at Baldeneysee , with club members of all ages reaching for their collecting forks. Children in particular are full of enthusiasm. At the same time, they are raising their own awareness of sustainable action in the style of learning by doing. The shores of Lake Baldeney are not neglected during the Clean Magic either. This is where not only the garbage that is blown into the water by the wind collects, but also everything that is transported here by the Ruhr. Small pieces of garbage are placed in the garbage bags provided for this purpose and then deposited at collection points, which are visited by the Essen waste disposal companies at the end of the campaign. Flotsam is brought ashore before it can collect in front of the weir.
Hard-working young talent
Schools, neighborhood groups and even companies often take part in Sauber Zauber. The campaign was first held in Essen in 2006. At that time, 8,000 participants took part in 170 campaigns. The number of volunteers has increased year on year. This year, there were 26,219 citizens in 565 groups with a proportion of children and young people of around 80 percent - a great figure. In 2025, the 20th anniversary year of the campaign, 18,300 people in 375 groups have already registered with Ehrenamt Agentur Essen e.V.. Sauber Zauber has thus established itself as one of the largest civic engagement campaigns in Essen.
Sense of community and responsibility
The idea behind initiatives like this is that a clean environment can increase well-being, create a sense of community and promote respect and a sense of responsibility towards nature. Many of the participating groups combine the activities with parties, rewards or a barbecue at the end. If you've now got the urge to lend a hand and get involved, for example around the Baldeneysee the next Sauber Zauber is sure to come.
