Press release
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey, known as the first Best Ager finalist at Germany's Next Topmodel, achieved with her project walk4future another milestone: after covering around 1,500 kilometers from Klosterneuburg to Paris on foot alone in 2024, the second edition in May 2025 became an international community campaign.
More than 60 participants from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland - and even the USA - took part in the "walk&save" challenge virtually. Together, they covered almost 5,500 kilometers and gave up fast fashion and unnecessary purchases for a month. The result: a saving of around 9,000 euros - i.e. an average of around 140 euros per person.
"This money can be invested in better clothes, education or simply in good times - for yourself or with others," says Gleissenebner-Teskey. At the same time, this is just the "tip of the iceberg": a sign of the growing self-determination of those consumers who no longer allow themselves to be told what they need - but make conscious decisions for quality and enjoyment of life.
The initiator's vision is ambitious - and measurable:
"Only 25 % of the population can initiate social change. In Germany, that would be 21 million people. If each of them spent 100 euros more consciously every month, we would move 2 billion euros. That is real market power."
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey speaks not only as a model, but also as an ecologist, communication scientist, coach and activist. Back in 1998, she organized the first "Trade Fair for Sustainable Lifestyles" in Austria - with great idealism, but also financial losses. After an international corporate career as a brand manager, the founding of a successful coaching business and her participation in GNTM on her 50th birthday, she now uses her fame to inspire people to more self-determination and sustainable consumption.
"The greatest power lies in our decisions: Where do we direct attention, energy - and money? What I choose grows," she explains.
walk4future aims to start right here: with the psychology of everyday consumption. The walk4future playfully invites people to break through routines - with movement, reflection and exchange. The aim is to build a strong, internationally networked community that consciously uses its consumer power - for itself, for others, for a better future.
And it goes on: The next walk4future campaigns will take place as early as fall 2025.
Martina Gleissenebner-Teskey will be happy to answer any queries or interview requests.
