Energy
Switching to a ‘real’ green electricity provider
1
(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 most likely has 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 expensive 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(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value
(0) outdated devices, (1) with old energy-saving seal, (2) with up-to-date and (3) with the latest best value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
2
(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
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
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
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:
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 (47 sqm/person)
1
(0) more than 47 sqm/person, (1) between 47 and 40, (2) between 40 and 30, (3) for less than 30
(0) more than 47 sqm/person, (1) between 47 and 40, (2) between 40 and 30, (3) for less than 30
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. When more people live in the household, they share rooms such as kitchen, living room or bathroom. In fact, the per capita area is constantly increasing because more older people live alone and longer in large houses and because there are more single households. Not everyone can now rebuild or move out, but those who take these steps can be proud to reduce the living space.
2.11
Save water (showers)
1
(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
Intelligent ventilation
1
(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.
0.23
Nutrition
Vegan days
1
(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 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.
4.44
Vegetarian days
2
(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
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
Organic food
1
(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 is more expensive. But on the one hand, many costs can be saved by less meat and on the other hand, it can be bought and cooked intelligently …. of course, it is also to be questioned whether there must be such a low livelihood at all - environmental policy is also social policy.
1.61
Organic from the region
1
(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.
2.00
Organic from the region seasonal
1
(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
1
(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
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
Waiver of SUV or similar.
2
(0) large SUV, bus, (1) extremely economical large-capacity vehicles, (2) middle class, (3) small and Compact car
(0) large SUV, bus, (1) extremely economical large-capacity vehicles, (2) middle class, (3) small and Compact car
A premium SUV can weigh well over 2.5 tons and consumes more than twice as economical vehicles. Van, buses are similar - but sometimes have an authorization, for example as then actually used 7-seaters or for regular transports. For rare transports, there should be rental cars nearby or trailers. There is a global trend towards SUVs. These unconsciously give us the feeling of robustness, of getting through. They reinforce the so-called attribution or distinction need. We think we are the great car. At the same time, however, the same applies: Small cars are not necessarily more economical than larger cars - a Renault ZOE apparently consumes more than a Tesla Model Y. But larger cars consume more raw materials in the end. There is the expression SUV shame when you behave selfishly recklessly towards future generations through SUVs, comparable to flight shame.
0.42
Waiver of air travel
1
(0) more than one per year, (1) one per year, (2) one every few years, (3) none or less often than every 5 years
(0) more than one per year, (1) one per year, (2) one every few years, (3) none or less often than every 5 years
Flying is a great experience for most people like experiencing distant places. Flying short distances should rightly lead to 'flight shame' - some countries are planning to ban domestic flights completely.
The problem with flying is, on the one hand, that we travel a lot of kilometers, even if the energy requirement per kilometer and person is not so high. On the other hand, greenhouse gases are transported directly to the heights where they harm us.
So we should only use the plane for rare long-distance trips and then rather stay longer in the places. Many, on the other hand, fly several times a year, partly within Europe - some even to sustainability conferences or just to spontaneously escape the harsh weather in Germany. Unfortunately, flying is even subsidized and is often cheaper than train or car.
0.83
Bicycle instead of car
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
No question - leaving the car and taking the bike is a proud feeling and healthy. If you don't want to exhaust yourself (for example, on the way to work), you can consider an e-bike. If you have a lot to transport, a cargo bike. Often we can also share a cargo bike with others. And if you shy away from bad weather, you will find great cycling clothing today, which completely refutes the argument.
0.55
Garbage
Buy unpacked
1
(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, even on the go
(0) not at all, (1) often, (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. But also special waste, such as batteries, incandescent lamps, electrical appliances, etc. must be disposed of properly.
0.65
Recycling-Paper
1
(0) never, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) never, (1) often, (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
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. Banks and insurance companies offer to carry out the correspondence purely electronically and to save a lot of paper.
Of course, there is also a big question as to whether we do not consume books and magazines better digitally. Well, if we already have the devices anyway, downloading and saving are the better alternative for the environment. If we buy extra devices and then hardly use them, the ecological footprint of the devices is greater than that of the saved paper. By the way, the winner is the library/lend library.
But books are also a nice experience and if we know what's in them, also a nice decoration for our apartments. Magazines, on the other hand, are not very timeless, and if we need articles later, the online search is easier before.
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
Flea markets, repair cafes, classified ads instead of throwing away
1
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) mostly, (3) always
(0) not at all, (1) often, (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.
0.24
Produce food yourself
1
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) much, (3) almost everything that is possible
(0) not at all, (1) often, (2) much, (3) almost everything that is possible
We are used to buying safe and durable food comfortably in the supermarket. These are packed and since we separate the garbage, we hardly have a problem with it.
In fact, however, only a certain part of the garbage is recycled - much is burned or still exported.
But we can make a lot of food ourselves and buy the ingredients unpacked or with little packaging. It's a certain effort but it saves money and a lot of packaging. We can make bread, spreads, sauces, juices, jam, ..., everything that would otherwise be bought packed, ourselves. The fruit can come from the garden or from orchards - this promotes the demand for insect-friendly orchards and if we do all this together with others or at least exchange the yield with each other, we strengthen the community.
0.39
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.
0.48
Bird feeding in winter
3
(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
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
Renunciation of road salt
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
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
Clothes
Wearing old clothes, second hand
1
(0) not at all, (1) every now and then, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) every now and then, (2) often, (3) basically
Many enjoy the variety through new garments or simply grow quickly. If you only wear clothes for shorts, you should try second clothes and at least sell your no longer worn clothes or donate to a social shop. Others wear few pieces of clothing without a claim to variety until they fall apart. Of course, this is best done with higher-quality garments.
2.18
Renunciation of leather
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
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
Other Consumption
Waiver of leaf vacuums and blowers
3
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Leaf vacuums and blowsers are even worse than the idea of mowing small lawns with a large lawn mowing tractor at all and then for hours. Boys with toys. The leaf vacuums and blowers emit noise and ultrafine particles and harm the soil organisms more than rakes or brooms.
0.11
Used, long-used devices
2
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Many devices from vacuum cleaners to cordless screwdrivers to TVs are amazingly inexpensive today. Relying on valuable devices that last a long time, or even buying used devices, helps to save raw materials and energy. Look for refurbished products.
1.30
Borrow (neighbors, DIY store, ...), Lend
1
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
(0) not at all, (1) sometimes, (2) often, (3) basically
Precisely because devices are so inexpensive, we tend to buy all kinds of devices ourselves and not borrow them, whether from the neighbors or from the tool rental company. The large DIY stores now all offer a rental service.
0.65
Repairing instead of buying new
2
(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
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