Energy
Switching to a ‘real’ green electricity provider
3
(0) no special tariff, (1) eco from the conventional provider, (2) eco from the local provider (3) with a pure green electricity provider
(0) no special tariff, (1) eco from the conventional provider, (2) eco from the local provider (3) with a pure green electricity provider
Your country has most likely real green electricity providers, as they purchase or implement the appropriate capacities of green electricity for each customer. The other electricity providers only offer an electricity mix. The share of green electricity is sold more expensively as an eco-tariff to some customers, while the other customers theoretically only receive the shares of gas, coal, etc.
http://www.imodeler.info/ro?key=CF8Gsu47BnYHLi5NHUWXKVA
0.44
Energy-saving devices
3
(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value
(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value
It is always a consideration whether the further use of an older device does not require less energy or water than the production of a new, energy-efficient device. Therefore, the energy requirement along the entire product life cycle (from production to use to disposal) must be considered.
Sometimes someone needs a different device and can't afford a new one - then a used device from someone who has bought a new, more economical device, of course, also makes sense. With some devices, the top values are only achieved with large quantities, i.e. washing machines with a lot of capacity. It is to see whether the top values also apply with lower filling quantities, for example for single households.
0.23
LED lamps
3
(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
2
(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
3
(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
3
(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
Let the light burn unnecessarily
3
(0) happens constantly, (1) happens frequently, (2) happens rarely, (3) never happens
(0) happens constantly, (1) happens frequently, (2) happens rarely, (3) never happens
Modern lamps require little electricity, and yet it is worthwhile not to let them burn unnecessarily, for example when we are not in the room for a long time.
0.08
Renunciation of extreme power consumers
3
(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
Housing, Buildings
Moderate living space
2
(0) huge ones (1) normal ones (2) smaller ones (3) shared ones
(0) huge ones (1) normal ones (2) smaller ones (3) shared ones
The area that we need to live means the area that is sealed, the building material that is needed, and the space that needs to be heated - and all this against the background of social justice. If you offer an apartment, a holiday house, or a hotel room and additional rooms smaller versions can be a smart choice.
2.11
Insulation
1
(0) more 140kWh/m2a, (1) down to 70, (2) to 15, and (3) for less than 15 kWh/m2a
(0) more 140kWh/m2a, (1) down to 70, (2) to 15, and (3) for less than 15 kWh/m2a
Thermal insulation is extremely important. Investing here means saving energy and costs. The argument that building will then become too expensive must be clearly put into perspective. One way, of course, is to have to insulate smaller living spaces. The other to become generally more efficient when building. Then ecological building materials will also become affordable. Old houses that can no longer be sensibly insulated are perhaps worth so much more as a new building that financing is not a problem. (Note: the figures are for Germany)
1.17
Heat pump or network with renewable energies
0
(0) oil or gas, (1) hybrid heat pumps, (2) air-water WP, (3) brine or similar WP
(0) oil or gas, (1) hybrid heat pumps, (2) air-water WP, (3) brine or similar WP
Heat pumps extract a large volume - air, soil, groundwater - small amounts of heat and add them to sufficient heat for the apartment and water heating. Similar to a refrigerator, only a refrigerant is pumped in a circle and the electrical energy is much lower than the heat energy obtained.
Heat pumps in themselves are not necessarily expensive. But electricity is wrongly expensive compared to natural gas, which is why heat pumps are only worthwhile if less heat is needed overall in a well-insulated house. In cold Scandinavia of all places, heat pumps have long since prevailed, while a sham debate is being held in Germany.
Wood heaters are at best one (1), as they are less bad than oil and gas. However, they emit ultrafine particles and we need wood for building materials. Windbreak can remain in the forest for biodiversity or be used for chipboard.
2.60
Saving water (showers)
2
(0) long, hot and frequent shower, (1) shorter shower, (2) shorter with water saving showerhead, (3) shorter, with water saving showerhead and colder
(0) long, hot and frequent shower, (1) shorter shower, (2) shorter with water saving showerhead, (3) shorter, with water saving showerhead and colder
Long and hot showers mean water and energy consumption and ultimately high costs. The other effects are even more impressive in the network - or did you know that long showering can be responsible for refugees and the quality of life in Germany?
http://www.imodeler.info/ro? key=Ceju1XNHCFZBJc2MpbAOl5Q
We simply take a Spartaste when flushing the toilet for granted.
0.71
Saving water (Pool)
0
(0) regular pool, (1) small pool, (2) minimization of water exchange, (3) seawater pool
(0) regular pool, (1) small pool, (2) minimization of water exchange, (3) seawater pool
Tourist offers can do without the pool, make it small, minimize its contamination (covering, indication of previous shower, effective filters), or fill it with seawater (or use natural ponds)
0.71
Saving water (devices)
3
(0) outdated devices, (1) with poor consumption value, (2) with recently current and (3) with the latest best value
(0) outdated devices, (1) with poor consumption value, (2) with recently current and (3) with the latest best value
Appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers must specify a value for water consumption when buying new. It is therefore worthwhile to compare water and energy consumption equally and also to research corresponding test reports, for example from Öko-Test or Stiftung Warentest.
0.35
Rainwater harvesting
0
(0) do not use rainwater, (1) small rainwater barrel, (2) cisterns for garden, (3) for garden and household
(0) do not use rainwater, (1) small rainwater barrel, (2) cisterns for garden, (3) for garden and household
We can use rainwater at least for garden irrigation in the case of unproblematic materials of the roof. With significantly more effort also for washing machine and toilet flushing. Even if it takes quite a long time economically before it's worth it, it's a good thing.
1.06
Natural building materials and Colors
2
(0) not at all, (1) with less than half, (2) with more than half, (3) with everything
(0) not at all, (1) with less than half, (2) with more than half, (3) with everything
Building materials such as concrete, plaster, steel or even aluminum have a high ecological footprint and mean many greenhouse gases. The foamed insulation materials are also in the criticism. In addition, the negative consequences of conventional paints and adhesives are often unknown, which then lead to toxic exhaust gases in waste incineration plants due to ultimately ineffective filters. Natural building materials and colors are significantly more expensive, although the non-natural materials are often extremely expensive when it comes to disposal. So it is the good feeling, the better smell and the healthier building biology that make us do the right thing here.
1.37
Garbage
Buy unpacked
2
(0) never, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) never, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
We are used to the fact that everything is packed and we don't care much about the packaging. For some foods, the packaging is more expensive in the production than the content. Paying attention to the packaging sends a signal to manufacturers and retailers.
For food, there are so-called unpackaged shops or at least the possibility of using deposit containers (own step) or cotton bags brought along for loose vegetables and fruit.
In basically all markets, we should have our own bags with us.
0.65
Separate garbage consistently
3
(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
3
(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
3
(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
Land use
Insect hotels, birdhouses, field mouse boxes, ...
2
(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
Bird feeding in winter
2
(0) not at all, (1) frequent, (2) mostly, (3) maximum
(0) not at all, (1) frequent, (2) mostly, (3) maximum
In the past, it was considered controversial whether birds should be fed, or whether they forget to find food themselves and instead promote the concentration of many birds in one place diseases. Today it is clear that with our well-kept gardens, leaf vacuum cleaners and perfect combine harvesters, we leave too little for the birds and they have to be fed. Many argue that we should even feed them in the summer.
0.32
Insect-friendly flowering plants
2
(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
Animal/insect friendly outdoor lighting
3
(0) not at all, (1) isolated, (2) in many places, (3) everywhere
(0) not at all, (1) isolated, (2) in many places, (3) everywhere
The awareness of nature-friendly outdoor lighting has increased significantly, there are already so-called star cities that do not want to "pollute" the view of the night sky with light. The street lamps are about whether they shine into the trees or on the street and with which light color they attract how many insects/moths. But we can also do a lot wrong in our gardens, with too bright light, motion detectors that disturb hedgehogs, or those cheap solar lamps that are already hazardous waste with the purchase and do not let the garden get dark in the first place.
0.16
Renunciation of road salt
2
(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
Governance
Renunciation of fireworks and firecrackers
3
(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