Climate Tips

Buying regional and seasonal foods helps avoid unnecessary transportation. Seasonal products also require less frequent production using high levels of energy, such as in heated greenhouses.
It’s especially easy to buy regional and seasonal foods at the weekly farmers’ market or directly from producers.
Organic foods can also contribute to greater sustainability. Organic farming contributes, among other things, to soil conservation, supports more species-appropriate animal husbandry, and promotes the preservation of cultural landscapes and biodiversity. By avoiding the use of certain synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, it can also help protect the environment and conserve resources.

The production of animal-based foods such as meat, milk, and eggs generates significantly more greenhouse gas emissions than many plant-based foods. Reasons for this include feed production, animal husbandry, animal waste, as well as processing and transportation.
That’s why it’s worth consuming animal products more consciously and in moderation, and opting for plant-based alternatives more often.
Eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts—and less meat, dairy, and eggs—can benefit both the climate and your own health.

In Germany, large quantities of food are thrown away per person every year. This isn’t just a financial loss—it also means a waste of valuable resources. For example, every food item involves water, energy, labor, and farmland.
That’s why it’s worth storing food properly and planning your grocery shopping well. If you do happen to buy too much, your friends, neighbors, or acquaintances might be happy to receive it.
Apps and food rescue networks can also help save still-edible food from stores and pass it on, for example, through a local food sharing station.

Another helpful app is: " Too Good for the Trash!" – App

The transportation sector accounts for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions. At the same time, sustainable mobility is often good for your health.
Short distances can often be covered on foot or by bike. For longer distances, buses and trains are a climate-friendly alternative to driving your own car.

If you can’t get there on foot, by bike, or by public transportation, carpooling and car-sharing can be good alternatives.
People who share a car with others or coordinate rides together can save on fuel and costs while also reducing their environmental impact.
It’s always worth asking yourself: Do I really need my own car?
If you only need a vehicle occasionally, you can consider whether carsharing is a practical alternative to owning your own car.

Air travel produces particularly high emissions. Domestic flights, in particular, can often be replaced by train travel.
Even for long-distance travel, it’s worth making a conscious effort to reduce the number of flights and, whenever possible, staying in one place longer instead of taking several short flights.

Furniture, curtains, or other objects should not be placed directly in front of radiators. They can obstruct the flow of warm air and result in the need to heat the room more.

In winter, windows should not be left tilted open all the time. This causes a continuous loss of heat.
It’s better to ventilate in bursts or by opening windows wide. Open the windows wide for a few minutes and then close them again. This quickly refreshes the air in the room without letting the walls and furniture get too cold.

A properly set thermostat helps save energy and lower heating costs. Even a slight reduction in room temperature can cut energy consumption.
Programmable electronic thermostats are particularly convenient. They allow you to automatically lower the temperature, for example, at night or while you’re at work. Many models can also be easily taken with you when you move.

A building's insulation also plays an important role. Good thermal insulation reduces heat loss and thus helps save on heating energy and costs. In the summer, it can also help keep rooms from getting as hot.

If you have any questions about energy-efficient renovations and insulation, energy consultants can help you.

Electricity generated from fossil fuels causes greenhouse gas emissions and harms the climate and the environment. Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, on the other hand, utilize natural energy sources.
Anyone looking to switch to a green electricity plan should look for transparent criteria and recognized certifications. A plan offering 100% green electricity and a reputable green energy seal can serve as a guide.

Televisions, computers, printers, and other electronic devices should not be left in standby mode unnecessarily. Even in standby mode, they can still consume electricity.
It is best to turn devices off completely when they are not in use. Power strips with a switch can help disconnect multiple devices from the power supply at the same time.

LED bulbs use significantly less electricity than traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs and have a long lifespan.
That’s why it’s worth replacing old light bulbs with LEDs. In addition, lights should only be turned on where they’re actually needed.

For the refrigerator, a temperature of about 7 °C is usually sufficient to keep food reliably cool. In the freezer compartment, –18 °C is sufficient.
Modern refrigerators and freezers are now significantly more energy-efficient than older models. At the same time, refrigerators are often set to a colder temperature than necessary—which increases electricity consumption.

You can also save energy while cooking and baking:
Put a lid on the pot when cooking.
Heat only as much water as you actually need.
Turn off the oven a few minutes before the end of the baking time and use the residual heat. If possible, cook several dishes at the same time in the oven.

A quick shower generally uses significantly less water and energy than a full bath.
Water-saving showerheads have a flow restrictor and can significantly reduce water consumption—and thus energy consumption for water heating.

Not all laundry needs to be washed at 60 °C. For many items of clothing, 30 or 40 °C is sufficient.
In addition, you can use eco or economy cycles. The washing machine should be loaded as full as possible without overloading it.
Air-dry your laundry.
Clothes dryers use a relatively large amount of energy. If possible, laundry should therefore be dried on a drying rack or in the fresh air.
This saves electricity and costs nothing.