FOCUS 6
FOCUS 6 – Sustainability
I definitely do consider myself environmentally conscious even though I could and probably should do a lot more. I separate my trash on a daily basis (every German household has 4 different trash cans). I collect water in my yard which I use to water the plants in my garden. Furthermore I try to avoid plastic as much as possible and I turn the heater down before I open the windows to air out my house, etc. —Melanie Most Germans recycle efficiently and many try to buy locally produced organic products. To reduce plastic waste companies have been successfully selling drink carbonators for people’s homes. German tap water is filtered and is rated among the cleanest in the world.
I try to eat as little meat as possible. I bike everywhere. Recycling of course. I try to avoid single use packaging (which is hard). I do not fly, when I can I also take the bus or train. —John There are many different facets that come together here. I do not own a car, when I vacation I almost exclusively use the train to reach my destination, I use public transport or my bike to get from point A to B every day, I rarely turn on the heat, I try to avoid producing plastic waste, I recycle whenever possible. I ought to do more though: make sure that what I consume is produced under fair conditions for the people that work in production, as well as the environment, eat less meat, buy more organic products, or products without packaging.
Germany is well known for its system of public transportation and many Germans love riding their bike anywhere - even in winter!
—Benni
—Veronika I absolutely consider myself environmentally conscious. I grew up with a vegetarian mother who rarely ever cooked meat for us. I also only ever eat meat when I am going out to eat or when I order take out, which comes down to about four times a month. I try to limit the amount of plastic I use, I ride my bike instead of taking a car or bus as often as possible, and I just generally try to be aware of the effects my everyday actions might have on our planet. —Annika
GERMANY IN FOCUS
A Transatlantic Outreach Program Instructional text for secondary educators
239