Energy
LED lamps
1
(0) for none at all, (1) for older energy-saving lamps, (2) for largely LED, (3) for complete LED lighting
(0) for none at all, (1) for older energy-saving lamps, (2) for largely LED, (3) for complete LED lighting
LED 'light bulbs' are now available for really all lamps, even with pleasantly warm light colors.
0.23
Minimising streaming
3
(0) for streaming of everything (data, television), (1) for a lot of streaming, (2) for rare streaming, (3) for no streaming at all
(0) for streaming of everything (data, television), (1) for a lot of streaming, (2) for rare streaming, (3) for no streaming at all
Streaming can hardly be stopped. It is convenient if all data is automatically backed up in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere, and it is equally convenient if all shipments can be viewed not only at a certain time, but 'on demand'. It can also be argued that computers no longer need such large hard drives and CDs or BlueRays no longer need to be produced.
In the end, however, streaming all over the world means a considerable energy demand and the infrastructures for transmission towers devour space and raw materials and they probably also cause harmful radiation. One solution is therefore to give up comfort a bit and perhaps also go more into nature instead of squatting in front of the screen. In detail, there is still the possibility to download something more at home with fiber optic, than on the go with older mobile networks.
0.39
Motion detector
1
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) more than half, (3) everywhere
(0) none, (1) less than half, (2) more than half, (3) everywhere
Motion detectors make sense in all rooms including outdoor areas, where we potentially let the light burn for too long, for example in the hallway, basement, garage, etc. Of course, it is important that the light does not stay on for too long.
0.16
Avoidance of stand-by times
2
(0) not at all, (1) for some devices, (2) for most, (3) for all
(0) not at all, (1) for some devices, (2) for most, (3) for all
Standby power consumption is often reminded and extrapolated. For example, if a TV consumes 5 watts in standby, that is 120 watt hours (Wh) per day, i.e. about one eighth of a kilowatt hour, which costs about 35 cents. So hardly anyone will get up from the sofa for 5 cents a day and press the switch on the TV, or turn off the WLAN router at night, or shut down the computer. Or is it? And how many watt hours could be saved daily in all households? Would this consideration influence your actions?
0.16
Renunciation of extreme power consumers
1
(0) have many, (1) have more than two, (2) have one, two (3) have no
(0) have many, (1) have more than two, (2) have one, two (3) have no
Apart from the fact that every device can have a high power consumption, a refrigerator is not regularly defrosted, the door seal is leaking, the washing machine is driven with too high temperatures and spin numbers, etc., there are still some unnecessary things that consume a lot of electricity:
Tumble dryer, sauna, dehumidifier, pond pumps, aquarium heaters, terrace heaters, etc.
The easiest way is to see to what extent you deviate from the average consumption in Germany and then think about what it is. If you are charging an electric car at home, you should see what can be attributed to it (either the car offers this evaluation or you use a separate electricity meter for this).
0.39
Nutrition
Vegan alternatives
2
(0) not at all, (1) to many meals, (2) to all meals, (3) more than one alternative
(0) not at all, (1) to many meals, (2) to all meals, (3) more than one alternative
Vegan means refraining from fish, meat, milk, cheese and other animal foods. Unthinkable for many people, on the one hand because of the taste, and on the other hand because they consider it unhealthy.
To the taste, it can be said: Among the extremely diverse vegan alternatives, something certainly tastes just as good or even better. We just have to try it - from vegan cheese to egg salad to burgers. Many celebrities and athletes are vegan. Vegan is booming.
Regarding health, it must be said: Our early ancestors eat healthier than we eat today. There was mixed food with only little meat and fish and also little grain and instead more legumes. If you eat a vegan diet, you have to pay attention to two nutrients: vitamin B12 and unsaturated omega 3 fatty acids. B12 can be bought for sucking (or as an additive in foods that are no longer called organic). Omega 3 fatty acids are available in linseed and algae oil. After a few months vegan, a blood test can show whether there are deficiency symptoms. As a rule, vegans eat healthier and are fitter than others.
What else does it bring: In addition to ethical reasons (keeping and killing animals), vegans help to prevent the deforestation of forests, because most areas in the world need the feed. In fact, we will not be able to feed the growing world population in the way we Germans. Vegans also prevent greenhouse gases from the methane emissions of cows, save enormous amounts of drinking water and prevent the pollution of soils, groundwater and waters.
Hotels, pensions, restaurants should offer vegan alternatives, also like to inform about the advantages and find out in dialogue with the guests what is well received and what is not. A real paternalism will not work - rather the feeling of pride, at least partly doing something better.
4.44
Vegetarian alternatives
2
(0) not at all, (1) to many meals, (2) to all meals, (3) more than one alternative
(0) not at all, (1) to many meals, (2) to all meals, (3) more than one alternative
Unlike the vegan diet, a vegetarian diet can also include milk, cheese or eggs. Vegetarian days are healthy, mean less animal husbandry and thus less consumption of land and water.
We Germans consume more than three times more animal products, which according to the EAT-Lancet Commission would be healthy for us and the planet.
Hotels, pensions, restaurants should offer vegan alternatives, also like to inform about the advantages and find out in dialogue with the guests what is well received and what is not. A real paternalism will not work - rather the feeling of pride, at least partly doing something better. We don't have to become vegans or vegetarians right away, but maybe just flexitarians.
3.01
Food from the region
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of food
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of food
Food from the region, from the weekly market and from the farm shop have not been transported far (there are of course also exceptions there) and strengthen the local economy.
However, there are also inefficient short transport routes when vehicles with little load drive to the points of sale. E-mobility and cargo bikes can help here.
Unfortunately, the regional is often also played out against the organic offer: regional, sprayed with pesticides food is not as good as regional organic food, and regional meat is not as good for the environment as the renunciation of meat.
0.23
Tap water
2
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% instead of purchased mineral water or soft drinks
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% instead of purchased mineral water or soft drinks
Fortunately, tap water has long been a trend. There are drinking water dispensers in schools and the students have their drinking bottles with them, and managers also bring their drinking bottles to workshops. Many children do not even get used to the unhealthy sugar drinks.
Tap water is more strictly controlled than bottled drinks and saves a lot of energy and packaging.
Even with motorhomes or boats or in places with the smell of chlorine in the water, we can save a lot of money, energy and packaging through good and regularly exchanged filters.
1.30
Avoidance of food waste
2
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) I save or avoid 100% of the food to be thrown away
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) I save or avoid 100% of the food to be thrown away
Food is wasted from the field to the factories and transport routes to the throw away by us, the restaurants and the supermarkets. This ultimately means that more areas are needed for cultivation and thus forests are cut down and biodiversity is endangered with sprays and fertilizers.
We can shop more specifically, throw away goods not only because of the best before date, save food in the household (e.g. freeze bananas or make durable spreads and soups from leftover vegetables yourself), save specifically rescued food (e.g. too small or wrinkled goods) and also donate leftover food in many places, e.g. to the food banks.
0.83
Mobility
Bicycle shelters
1
(0) not at all, (1) for less than 50%, (2) for more than 50%, (3) all can store their bicycles
(0) not at all, (1) for less than 50%, (2) for more than 50%, (3) all can store their bicycles
What has recently been a successful model in some countries and cities is still a problem in Germany: to give cyclists priority over car traffic. The willingness to ride a bike, even in bad weather, is higher than ever. E-cargo bicycles make it possible to at least do without the second car. A guest business can do a lot from a safe bicycle shelter with charging possibility to rental bicycles.
0.41
Charging and repair stations bicycles
3
(0) not at all, (1) socket, (2) repair station, (3) both
(0) not at all, (1) socket, (2) repair station, (3) both
Especially older e-bikes have to be loaded more often and many shy away from the bicycle holiday because the bikes are no longer the newest. Hosts could set up a repair station here.
0.05
Garbage
Separate garbage consistently
1
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
Consistently separating waste, including green waste, glass and paper, is not as self-evident as can be assumed. Many make little effort here and don't really know what belongs in which bin. The residual waste bin also costs the public sector a lot of money, while the recyclable and green waste bin are free of charge. But also special waste, such as batteries, incandescent lamps, electrical appliances, etc. must be disposed of properly.
Hospitality businesses and events can place separating waste bins with information signs everywhere. In general, it is also possible that a sign indicates that the cleaners take over the separation for the guests. But better, the guests can do that.
0.65
Paperless office/media
2
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) most, (3) all only digital.
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) most, (3) all only digital.
Saving paper helps to protect forests - recycling paper also ultimately means more demand for fresh pulp from trees.
We don't even need to print many things in the first place, but can save them on devices that we already have. For internal processes but also for dialogue with customers, digital forms should continue to prevail. So the guests are welcome to ask if they need a paper version of the invoice.
0.61
Reusable
2
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
After unpacked and for drinks after the tap water, the best thing we can do is to buy our food in reusable containers. (By the way, there are also reusable shipping boxes for office supplies as well as some regional delivery services). Also ask whether the containers are transported empty throughout Germany, or whether North German beer flows into the empty bottle of Bavarian beer and vice versa. Next question, what energy does it cost to clean the containers. Composite packaging or cans that are easy to recycle are the better alternative in some studies. In such studies, it is necessary to look closely at what is being compared. Ultimately, it is important to close regional cycles.
Next question, whether the containers should be made of glass or plastic - glass is recycled more often, plastic is lighter and means less energy during transport.
0.81
Garbage collection campaigns
1
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many, (3) systematically throughout the year
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many, (3) systematically throughout the year
Garbage collection as an event also for the clubs with subsequent meeting, possibly sponsored by the local economy, helps to get nature clean and to raise awareness. Tourism companies can be organizers, sponsor or participate as a team. Plogging is also very popular - the combination of jogging and garbage collection.
0.08
Land use
Insect hotels, birdhouses, field mouse boxes, ...
1
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many, (3) maximum
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many, (3) maximum
Insect hotels or just old, higher tree stumps and dead wood on the ground, nesting boxes and, if useful, bat boxes are great ways to maximize biodiversity in your own environment. School classes can also participate here.
0.48
Insect-friendly flowering plants
1
(0) not at all, (1) in some places, (2) in many places, (3) in all places and possibly also on the go
(0) not at all, (1) in some places, (2) in many places, (3) in all places and possibly also on the go
It is hard to believe that the future of our diet depends on the use of pesticides and their influence on insects that have to pollinate our plants. Many pollinators are threatened with extinction and in addition to the purchase of organic, we can offer these insects flowers on our areas. In fact, some plants are neither bee-nor bird-friendly. On the other hand, fruit trees and most vegetables are already great opportunities to promote bees, bumblebees, etc. At the flower meadows there are one- and multi-year-olds.
0.64
Green roof
1
(0) not at all, (1) partially, (2) predominantly, (3) on all suitable surfaces
(0) not at all, (1) partially, (2) predominantly, (3) on all suitable surfaces
Green roofs, at least for garages and shelters, are a good attempt to do something against the surface sealing and the extinction of species. If the areas are oriented towards the sun - to the east, west or south - it can of course also be occupied with PV modules. For flat roofs, the PV modules can be set up and then still grow a little under them. There are also bifacial solar modules that allow light to pass through or also generate energy with the scattered light from the back (although of course a green area does not illuminate the backs as much as a bright tin roof).
0.08
Renunciation of road salt
1
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
Road salt is convenient and safe, but a considerable burden for pets, the trees and the surface water. Replacing this with split means more effort, but it's worth it.
0.24
Waiver of weed killers
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) always
Sidewalks can be kept mechanically or by flames weed-free or the herb can also grow sometimes. The beds can be kept mechanically herb-free or laid out from the outset in such a way that herb does not matter. Pesticides are one of the main causes of species extinction and water pollution.
0.24
Social
Crafts from the region
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
This is about living and working in the region, about strengthening the community. The birdhouse from a social workshop or the PV system from the electrician on site (if he has further training). The award criteria of the municipalities must of course be legally secure.
If the work is good, a discreet advertising sign can also draw attention to the craft business in return.
1.06
Fair wages
2
(0) I don't care at all, (1) partially pay attention to it, (2) get involved, (3) always pay attention to it
(0) I don't care at all, (1) partially pay attention to it, (2) get involved, (3) always pay attention to it
Many people who earn above average can only do this because others earn below average. The gap between rich and poor is getting bigger and bigger. Consumers complain about cheap wages, but the price increase by 50 cents is rarely accepted.
What we deserve is not, as liberals or neoliberals like to think, just a question of diligence. It is the product (!) Out of diligence, skill and the right framework conditions. Anyone who knows many talented and hard-working people who are simply not lucky develops empathy and is willing to pay more, even if it is through tips.
Companies can set an example in the case of remuneration, in particular for less well-paid activities within the scope of their possibilities.
0.74
Volunteering
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) much, (3) maximum
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) much, (3) maximum
Volunteering, whether at the fire brigade, in the sports club or the help in the neighborhood, is enormously important for togetherness and society.
0.74
Promotion of active political participation
2
(0) we don't do, (1) in social media, (2) about posters and notices, (3) organize activities ourselves
(0) we don't do, (1) in social media, (2) about posters and notices, (3) organize activities ourselves
We experience what happens all over the world when the successful depend on large parts of society: radical currents get influx, the climate catastrophe is denied, hatred against foreigners but also against their own politicians is stoked.
Some "ego trolls" who want to punch through their interests are deliberately playing with such a breeding ground when, for example, conservative parties speak of ideology with the progressive parties or an automobile boss is against vaccination in order not to have to close his works, or others complain against wind power and e-mobility and pro-nuclear power without any expertise. Dissatisfied citizens take this up as 'troll lemmings', feel they belong to the common enemy images and complain on social media against everything that means change towards future viability. It is the fight for so-called memes and no longer, as in the past, solely for sovereignty of interpretation, especially since the experts agree on most questions.
As uncomfortable as it is, we should therefore stand against it in social media and not wave off in frustration. In our environment, we can also get together with others and talk about politics or the design of togetherness - even if many do not want to talk about politics privately at all, because they have an opinion, but not the feeling that they can support it themselves. For example, there is the Open Society Day and regionally certainly many other initiatives. Politicians can motivate, join a party, go to public council meetings, and participate in demonstrations. Having been to Fridays for Future once is an experience! Companies can show attitude! Ideology is not the opinion of the other, but what is not scientifically proven robustly (i.e. more than a single study).
https://www.know-why.net/model/Ch6pG92HeaVbtguDEvK11Iw
0.96
Citizens' meeting (clubs, fire brigade, squares)
2
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Support of clubs, squares and halls for the gathering of citizens
0.12
Cultural promotion
1
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Cultural promotion can take place in all facets - from young people who make music to exhibitions to the care of traditional festivals.
0.07
Nature experience opportunities
2
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
(0) not at all, (1) promote some, (2) promote a lot, (3) maximum each measured by what is basically conceivable.
Educational trails, information boards, exhibitions, excursions, etc., if necessary also together with schools and nature conservation organizations.
0.07
Other Consumption
Repairing instead of buying new
1
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Unfortunately, many devices can no longer be repaired at all, for example if the control unit breaks down from the washing machine and costs more than a new washing machine. And yet there are workshops that also repair mobile phones, washing machines, lawn mowers, etc. - and even if it is as expensive as a new device, it is the good feeling of having done something for a better world again.
0.65
Governance
Renunciation of fireworks and firecrackers
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Firecrackers and fireworks are a problem in every respect: for the animal world, the environment and the people who produce them. The ultrafine particles pollution is horrendous. And all this only because people (mostly men) hope for attention and admiration about this.
0.25
Information on sustainable leisure activities
3
(0) none, (1) a few, (2) many, (3) offer some themselves
(0) none, (1) a few, (2) many, (3) offer some themselves
Flyers and links on the websites can draw attention to sustainable offers - or sustainable offers are made themselves.
1.00