Consumer

How can private individuals help protect the environment? How can they save energy and thus protect the climate and save money too? How can consumers safeguard their health by avoiding products containing toxic substances? We offer useful information and advice on these and myriad other questions of this type, via amenities such as our online consumer advice service Umwelttipps für den Alltag and free brochures.

Press release on Waste | Resources

E-Waste Day: a plea for proper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment

old electrical appliances, such as PC, computer screen and laptop

Too much waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is still being disposed of improperly in Germany. A German Environment Agency (UBA) analysis found that some 86,000 tonnes per year land in the general waste bin instead of being recycled as prescribed. Germany’s recycling rate unfortunately still falls short of meeting the EU minimum recovery rate requirement of 65 percent. read more

Press release on Economy | Consumption

Sustainability at the supermarket: retailers not tapping their full potential

Supermarket

The food retailing sector is taking action to promote environmental protection. Examples include store organic brands, a larger selection of vegan products or energy efficiency increases in their food outlets and business offices. On the whole, the companies studied could make much greater use of their influence and scope for action, says a recent study by the German Environment Agency (UBA). read more

News on Economy | Consumption and Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

SustainFashion - Sustainability information all about textiles

in einem Geschäft hängen viele weiße T-Shirts auf Bügeln an einer Stange

Information on sustainability in the textile and fashion industry - this is what the new online platform www.sustainfashion.info by HEJSupport offers, funded by the UBA as part of an Associations project. Different aspects of the sector are highlighted, such as environmental pollution or human rights, and allows people to speak who share their visions for more sustainability. read more

Press release on Air and Health

Coronavirus protection in schools: Airing rooms for five minutes, every 20 minutes

a virus in a close-up foto

The German Environment Agency (UBA) has drafted some helpful guidance for the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in Germany (KMK) on proper airing practices in schools. The handbook reflects the UBA experts' recommendations on indoor air hygiene and how proper ventilation in schools can reduce the risk of infection with the novel coronavirus. read more

News on Economy | Consumption, Waste | Resources and Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Database presents German initiatives on UN sustainability goal 12

Home page of the SDG 12 database

In 2015, the United Nations adopted 17 goals for worldwide socially, ecologically and economically sustainable development (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). The SDG 12 database shows which developments have taken place in Germany since then with regard to Goal 12 "Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns". It currently comprises more than 120 activities. read more

The Umweltbundesamt

For our environment