"The only thing missing is a bus stop"

There are a number of solidarity economy projects in Luxembourg, but Co-labor has a double pioneering role. Founded in 1983 as a cooperative to offer meaningful work to hard-to-place young people, Co-labor in fact also pays attention to the principles of sustainable development from the outset and was one of the very first providers of organic baskets of home-grown fruit and vegetables.

During our visit to the Grevelsbarrière in Bertrange, where the cooperative has found a new home and enough space several years ago, we were able to get an overview of Co-labor's many activities.

Vegetable patch instead of red carpet

What strikes us immediately: On the parking lot in front of the store are more big than small cars, but that the buyers of organic products are usually rather well-off should be no secret.

What also strikes us, after we have obtained a first overview: How large the area with its grocery store, restaurant/café and sales areas for plants, garden accessories, landscaping and firewood actually is. The sprawling site covers 3.5 hectares and is being made available to Co-labor by the municipality of Bartringen via a ground lease for 49 years.