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(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value
(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value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. Companies need the competence to weigh up the right time for a new purchase of devices, but also the determination to then purchase the most sustainable and not only cheapest devices.
0.23
LED lamps
2
(0) none at all, (1) older energy-saving lamps, (2) argely LED, (3) complete LED lighting
(0) none at all, (1) older energy-saving lamps, (2) argely LED, (3) complete LED lighting
LED 'light bulbs' are now available for really all lamps, even with pleasantly warm light colors. Also, think about the lights outside - are they LED as well?
0.23
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. Corridors, toilet rooms, cellars often have the light burning unnecessarily. In some indoor and outdoor areas, companies also sometimes have the light on too long or too early.
0.08
Renunciation of extreme power consumers
2
(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:
In the company, these can be exaggerated light installations, electric bollards, and much more.
0.39
Housing, Buildings
Intelligent ventilation
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the times in the heating season
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the times in the heating season
Intelligent ventilation does not mean too late and not too long. It is too late when we get tired when the air is used up, get a headache and the humidity becomes too high. It is too long when the air has already been replaced and is cool, but we also ventilate the materials (walls, furniture) even longer.
Heat ultimately means that things or air vibrate. When the air is exchanged, but the objects and walls are still vibrating, the fresh air is quickly heated. Even if the walls get cold, mold can form on them and we need expensive heating energy to make everything vibrate again.
By the way, CO2 measuring devices help to ventilate in time and not for too long. However, these should not be a useless gadget, but perhaps used for practice one after the other in the rooms and gladly lent. A nice game is the competition, how good the sense of the people in the room is to ventilate in time and not too long.
Companies in particular have the potential to keep the doors in the entrance area not too far and not too long open.
0.23
Nutrition
Vegan days
3
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
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 ate 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.
4.44
Vegetarian days
3
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
(0) none per week, (1) 1-3, (2) 4-6, (3) 7 days a week
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.
People in the industrialized world consume more than three times more animal products, which according to the EAT-Lancet Commission would be healthy for us and the planet. We don't have to become vegans or vegetarians right away, but maybe just flexitarians.
3.01
Food from the region
3
(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
Organic food
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic
Organic is extremely important for biodiversity. We have the greatest species extinction since the extinction of the dinosaurs and the consequences are greater than those of climate change. Pesticides and mineral fertilizers endanger our future. In addition, soils from organic farming usually store more carbon and thus help against the climate catastrophe. The counter-argument is often that the yields in organic farming are lower than in industrial agriculture and therefore more forests have to be cut down. This is true, for example, with cereals that are not unrestrictedly healthy. But if we eat less meat, waste less food and eat more healthy legumes, we have plenty of additional space available and can feed the entire world organically and even plant a little more forest.
Organic in the canteen or at the kiosk or at company events is of course more expensive - but if it is not exemplified somewhere, what do we expect in the private sector.
1.61
Organic from the region
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic from the region
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the products also available as organic from the region
Which is better - the organic apple from New Zealand or the sprayed apple from the region? Answer: both wrong. Organic food from the region means less transport and is therefore even better than organic food with wide transport.
Organic in the canteen or at the kiosk or at events is of course more expensive - but if it is not exemplified somewhere, what do we expect in the private sector. Sometimes a direct delivery from providers from the region is a way to save costs.
2.00
Organic from the region seasonal
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the seasonal products also available as organic
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the seasonal products also available as organic
Seasonal organic products in addition to regional organic products also have less energy expenditure for storage.
In the respective months, other products are available seasonally, so that we can eat healthy and tasty all year round with little transport and storage effort with regard to a seasonal calendar.
2.16
Legumes
3
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the otherwise mostly cereal products
(0) not at all, (1) less than 50%, (2) more than 50%, (3) 100% of the otherwise mostly cereal products
Legumes are not only an alternative source of vegetable proter to animal products, but also extremely important for world nutrition. They bind nitrogen from the air in the soil and can achieve just as high yields in organic farming as in industrial agriculture. So we have to cut down fewer forests.
In addition, legumes are healthier than cereals. Harari describes in Sapiens how we could probably get much older if we didn't eat so much cereal products.
After all, legumes are important for bees and biodiversity. Lupine, for example, also grows in northern Germany and can be used for meat substitutes, yogurt, coffee substitutes, ice cream or even noodles.
0.42
Tap water
3
(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.
Companies can set up water dispensers - if necessary also work with filters, for example to remove chlorine odors.
1.30
Avoidance of food waste
3
(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.
Canteens and kiosks and also events can query the demand in advance and thus prevent food from being thrown away. A dish can also be deliberately offered the next day, which advertises the utilization of the leftovers from the previous day.
0.83
Garbage
Buy unpacked or refills
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. To fill up the pantry or to cater for events, attention should therefore be paid to the packaging.
Office supplies can be delivered unpacked in deposit boxes (e.g. from Memo).
0.65
Separate garbage consistently
3
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) mostly, (3) always, even on the go
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) mostly, (3) always, even on the go
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.
0.65
Recycling-Paper
3
(0) never, (1) some, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) never, (1) some, (2) mostly, (3) always
Non-recycled paper is often cheaper, but means cutting of forests, contamination of water during production and a high energy requirement.
Recycled paper for toilet paper, writing paper, packaging, envelopes, wrapping paper, etc. should be a matter of course today. But we have to pay attention to it and choose it.
Recycled paper is also snow-white, but it should then not be bleached with chlorine but oxygen.
1.23
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.
0.61
Flea markets, repair cafes, classified ads instead of throwing away
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) mostly, (3) always
Many things are actually thrown away, although others could still do something with it. It is more convenient for us not to repair it than to have a stand at the flea market or to have to send it for little money. But the good feeling of doing the right thing motivates. A company can avoid garbage here - even if throwing it away probably meant little effort.
0.24
Land use
Insect hotels, birdhouses, field mouse boxes, ...
3
(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
0
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
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
3
(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
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
3
(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
Volunteering
3
(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. Companies can help here to honor volunteering and accompany it through donations.
0.74
Promotion of active political participation
3
(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)
3
(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
Refugee care
3
(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.
Societies must take in refugees - no matter how many there are. To be distinguished from this is the number of those who we can also permanently integrate into our society and also have to with regard to our economy and retirement provision or demographic change. A company should actively anticipate and help to accept people with a migration background within the scope of the legal possibilities. Linguistically, English is sometimes the lowest common denominator that can also be chosen in companies. As far as it is legal, we should help these people.
1.44
Cultural promotion
3
(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
3
(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
Clothes
Organic cotton/ linen/ hemp/ wood fiber/ certified virgin wool
3
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many things, (3) everything
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many things, (3) everything
Globally, conventional cotton is an environmental problem due to the use of sprays and the high water consumption. In addition, the textile factories poison entire rivers and exploit people during conventional dyeing.
In addition to ecological cotton, there are other natural fibers with sometimes much less damage to the environment.
In the case of virgin wool, attention must be paid to the certification, which excludes animal suffering.
By the way, there is now also outdoor clothing made of densely woven organic cotton as an alternative to the plastic fibers. Plastic fibers always allow microplastics to enter the wastewater during washing and microplastics in the environment may lead to multi-resistant super germs - a long history.
With the points for clothing, if you do not buy conventional cotton, but sometimes choose recycled and sometimes organic cotton, you can give a full 3 points for both.
By the way, organic is also possible with curtains, tablecloths and bed linen!!!
1.69
Recycled cotton
3
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many things, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) some, (2) many things, (3) basically
This is about workwear or, for example, in the tourism sector clothing with advertising. Even large, conventional clothing stores sometimes take back old clothes and promise to produce new yarns from them. Often the problem is the quality of short-lived clothing, which is then difficult to recycle and yet ends up in the waste incineration plant or on the dump in developing countries.
1.61
Renunciation of leather
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
This is about workwear or, for example, in the tourism sector clothing with advertising. Vegan shoes and belts are no longer distinguishable from their leather variants. And who pays attention to the fact that the tanning processes do not allow heavy metals to enter the environment or that the leather is certified accordingly?
We should be careful with some plastics, such as PVC with plasticizers, which are also not good for the environment.
0.59
Cleaning Products
Organic cleaning agents
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Organic cleaning agents can be found in all supermarkets and drugstores. An essential feature is biodegradability and, of course, the vegetable raw materials as an alternative to petroleum-based raw materials.
Even if conventional cleaning agents are classified as safe, organic cleaning agents are certainly safer and are less harmful to health and also burden the sewage treatment plants less.
0.44
Other Consumption
Used or long-lived furniture
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Many furniture cannot stand being moved or even disassembled and reassembled. They are primarily cheap and the business model is that after a few years we want to buy new furniture. Looking at how valuable the furniture is and then being able to repair it takes us a whole lot further on the way to a better world. It is also amazing what good pieces there are on the used market.
1.30
Repairing instead of buying new
3
(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
Non-sustainable company parties / excursions
3
(0) have which, (1) very rare, (2) make these environmentally friendly, (3) have no,
(0) have which, (1) very rare, (2) make these environmentally friendly, (3) have no,
This does not refer to the skater track or the artificial turf sports field, but motorsport, skiing on artificially snowy slopes, kiting in bird protection areas, sailboats with biocides on the underwater ship, golfing with high use of water and pesticides, quad rides into nature, skydiving, etc. Of course, these hobbies are fun, which is why it is rewarded if we actively choose the more environmentally friendly alternatives here and thus achieve a rethink with others.
1.00