One man's mission to keep nature clean. During his recent stay in Saanenland, I had the pleasure of speaking with Hans Peter Brugger, the passionate founder of Aktionpinguin – a movement dedicated to fighting litter. Hans Peter, who spends much time in Saanenland, is eager to share his mission and his steps to keep this beautiful region as pristine as possible.

A Basel success story comes to Berner Oberland
Hans Peter’s project, Aktionpinguin, started in Basel as a response to the increasing litter along the banks of the Rhine. “What began with ice swimming evolved into something much bigger,” he tells me. Over four years, Aktionpinguin has dramatically transformed the city and surrounding areas. The once litter-strewn banks of the Rhine are now almost unrecognisable, thanks to the collective effort of residents, visitors, and local organisations.

“People say it’s noticeably cleaner now,” Hans Peter notes with pride. “The simple act of providing collection bags made from recycled materials, which people can pick up from dispensers along the river, has made a huge difference.”

Bringing the mission to Saanenland
So how did this movement find its way from the urban landscape of Basel to the serene beauty of Saanenland? Hans Peter explains that his connection to the region runs deep. “I’ve been coming to Saanen for years – to ski, jog, and simply enjoy nature. This place is a sanctuary for me”, he shares. But even in this seemingly untouched environment, the issue of litter exists.

Hans Peter carries his Aktionpinguin bag wherever he goes, whether jogging along the Tiger Trail Run or hiking up to Wasserngrat. He doesn’t just pass by litter – he picks it up. “Even out here, you can find discarded items like pet bottles or aluminium cans, which can be harmful, especially to wildlife.”
During our conversation, Hans Peter recounts two particularly challenging clean-up missions in Saanenland. “Once, I found a half-axle trailer rusting away on a steep slope in the forest. It was in danger of leaking gear oil, which could have been disastrous. Another time, I came across three large oil barrels filled with unknown substances, hidden in the woods.” Hans Peter didn’t hesitate – he marked the locations, took photos, and alerted the local authorities, who quickly stepped in to dispose of the hazardous waste.

High praise for local efforts
Hans Peter has high admiration for the local authorities and organisations in Saanenland. “I have to give them a big pat on the back,” he says with a smile. “The area is impressively clean, and the few littered items I do find are a testament to the hard work of the Gstaad-Saanenland community.” Hans Peter also praises the annual anti-littering days organised by GST and BDG, which he sees as crucial in maintaining the region’s beauty. “These efforts show a real commitment to preserving nature here. It’s not just about picking up trash – it’s about fostering a sense of pride in our environment.”

A Call to Action
Hans Peter leaves me with a simple yet powerful message: “Clean, unspoilt nature cannot be taken for granted.” He encourages everyone, both locals and visitors, to do their part in keeping Saanenland clean. “If you see litter, pick it up. Every little action counts.”

His commitment to Aktionpinguin is evident in his every word. His passion for the project and his love for Saanenland makes it clear that this is not just a mission – it’s a way of life. “Rubbish attracts more rubbish”, he warns, echoing the broken windows theory. However, with consistent effort, Hans Peter believes we can all contribute to keeping our environments beautiful and litter-free.

JEANETTE WICHMANN

AKTIONPINGUIN: Please put litter in the bag

Founded by Hans Peter Brugger four years ago in Basel, Aktionpinguin is a non-profit organisation dedicated to combating littering. The movement encourages anti-littering in a fun and engaging way, whether in everyday life, during leisure activities, or while playing sports. Aktionpinguin organises clean-ups and ploggings* for companies, schools, and clubs, providing creative support and motivation through social media channels like Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit
www.aktionpinguin.ch

*Plogging is the perfect exercise for eco-conscious runners. It combines jogging with litter-picking. The name comes from the combination of “jogging” and “plucking.”