Meat consumption in Germany has actually dipped: the 2.8 million tonnes still being consumed in 2000 had decreased to 2.6 million tonnes in 2013. Yet Germany continues to export more and more meat: exports rose from .8 million tonnes in 2000 to about 3 million tonnes in 2013. Take the example of production of one kilo of beef: it generates between seven and 28 kilos of greenhouse gases, compared to fruit or vegetables which generate less than one kilo. Furthermore, the cultivation of feed crops – soybeans in South America, for example – requires a large land area which must be supplied by clearing rainforest areas.
German consumers unfortunately continue to discard a lot of food, some of which is still perfectly consumable. This is on a scale of 6.7 million tonnes in German households every year. Ms Maria Krautzberger said: "Every type of food claims land area and water resources, both in Germany and abroad; we consume energy for production and transport, and use fertilizers and plant protection agents which pollute the environment. Food waste must be avoided and is an important means to preserving our livelihoods."
Emissions of food products include those incurred through transport: the long hauling distances of strawberries in winter or fish from overseas are a burden on the climate – and that is especially true for perishable foods transported by air. Rail transport continues to incur the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Maria Krautzberger said: "Consumers can buy seasonal local products and still enjoy a varied diet while doing something for the environment."
The report's data on mobility shows that the number of cars continues to rise in Germany: 537 for every 1,000 inhabitants in 2013 compared to 521 for every 1,000 people in 2000. On average private motor vehicles generate more greenhouse gas emissions per person kilometre than buses and trains, outdone only by the aviation sector in terms of greenhouse gas record.
However, alternatives to private car ownership are becoming more and more popular. The number of people engaged in car sharing in 2015 was some 37 percent higher than the year before. Sales of e-bikes are also increasing, with more than 2.1 million now owned in German households.
Another trend: about 40 percent of all households are 1-person households (2014). This usually means more living space for the , which is tied to higher energy costs for electricity and heating. The higher the number of households the higher the number of consumer goods such as cars, washing machines, refrigerators, computers and mobile phones. The amount of equipment has grown not only per household but also in absolute terms. Higher levels of materials and energy consumption along with pollution are the result.
The Umwelt, Haushalte und Konsum report focuses on environmental pollution caused by consumer behaviour in the areas "food", "mobility", and "living". The data is based mainly on calculations by the Federal Statistical Office, covering greenhouse gas emissions, energy, land and water consumption.
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