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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.

News on Economy | Consumption and Health

Blue Angel ecolabel now available for toys

Toy manufacturers can now apply for the new Blue Angel ecolabel for toys to be awarded to their cuddly toys, wooden train sets, rubber balls etc. Not only must the products be exemplary in terms of pollutant content but also as concerns the social labour conditions of the extraction of raw materials and at the final assembly sites. read more

Press release on Water

Too much fertiliser: drinking water could become more expensive

Drinking water could become markedly more expensive in many regions across Germany, and it is because of the high levels of nitrate groundwater contamination. A family of four could then expect to add another €134 per year to their water bill. read more

Press release on Water

Germany's bathing waters are clean machines

Some 98 per cent of the bathing waters in Germany fulfil the quality requirements of the European Bathing Water Directive. read more

Press release on Transport

One in five Germans suffers from railway noise – unnecessarily

The German Environment Agency (UBA) is campaigning for rail freight noise reduction. Solutions include cladding train wheels and brakes to reduce noise directly at the source. Financial reward for quiet trains must be increased, for example with lower track access charges. read more

Press release on Transport

Nitrogen pollution from diesel-fuelled cars even higher than suspected

Diesel passenger cars exceed European limits for nitrogen dioxide (NOx) on roads at higher levels than previously thought. In 2016 emissions were assumed to be 575 mg NOx/km, but the diesel-fuelled passenger car fleet in Germany actually had average emissions of 767 mg NOx/km. These findings are based on new calculations done on behalf of the German Environment Agency (UBA). read more

Press release on Sustainability | Strategies | International matters

Most Germans want to be less dependent on their car

Representative survey on environmental awareness by the Federal Ministry of Environment and UBA: 91 per cent said that life would be better if they did not have to depend on a car for mobility. read more

Press release on Climate | Energy and Water

"Wounds" have healed – Water quality of mine lakes has good status

Many mine lakes have the potential to develop very good water quality and they are often cleaner than natural lakes. However, lignite remains the dirtiest of all sources of energy. In 2014 alone lignite caused environmental damage in the amount of 16.8 billion euros. A phase-out of lignite-fired electricity is urgently needed. read more

Press release on Noise

Heat pumps and the like: low-frequency hum annoys a growing number of people

Complaints about low-frequency noise – the so-called humming phenomenon – have risen sharply in recent years. A new guide by UBA provides advice on the ideal installation of heat pumps and the like. read more