Greenpeace started campaign on Doughnut Economics

The search for municipalities

Greenpeace Switzerland is looking for municipalities ready to tackle their challenges with Doughnut Economics. In the campaign, which started in October 2025, people can nominate or vote for their favourite municipality to adopt doughnut economics for a happy future. Once a municipality has reached its nomination target, based on its size, Greenpeace will make a proposal to it. We will support municipalities in moving into the safe and just space of the Doughnut. 

We want to lead by example and demonstrate that a happy yet responsible future is possible! That's why our campaign runs under the motto “Caution, happiness effect! Make your favourite municipality the happiest in Switzerland!”

We are targeting places in the German-speaking part of Switzerland with a population of up to 20,000. 

The proposed cornerstones of the process

Once a municipality decides to embark on the journey, Greenpeace proposes the following flexible and adaptable process to help them move into the Doughnut: First, they identify the challenges in the different Doughnut dimensions. In a population survey, people share their perspectives and priorities. A scientific analysis gathers the available data. The combined results will be visualised as a doughnut (data/community portrait). 

Next, the Doughnut Council examines the identified issues in depth and develops concrete targets and measures. The Doughnut Council consists mainly of resident representatives, as well as some political and administrative representatives. The results are anchored politically through the formal political process of the local government.

High participation in all phases of the process

As participation lies at the core of our project, we have developed two innovative approaches to Doughnut Economics and local government. First, by enabling people to nominate their favourite municipality, we involve them in the process from the outset, ensuring that participation is not just a formal add-on. Interested residents will have the opportunity to form a local group and support the process from the outset. This strengthens the relationship between the municipality and its residents, creating a thriving dynamic. 

Secondly, the Doughnut Council of Residents builds on experience with citizens' assemblies, for example on climate change. Residents discuss targets and measures with experts, politicians, and representatives from the respective municipality's administration. In this collaborative setting, a variety of perspectives are considered, enabling new ideas to emerge. With politicians and administrative staff involved in the discussions, the practicability of ideas is constantly evaluated, making it easier to transfer them into daily politics.

Greenpeace Switzerland is excited to experiment with this new approach to Doughnut Economics, and to share our experiences and learn from the DEAL community as we embark on this journey.

Encourage your Swiss friends to nominate their favourite Swiss municipality here (website in German).

Posted by Greenpeace Switzerland