Consumer

Environmentally harmful subsidies in Germany continue to be in effect at an excessively high level and now total 57 billion euros, says a recent report by the German Environment Agency (UBA). More than 90 percent of these subsidies are a burden on the climate – and are therefore thwarting Germany's implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The German Environment Agency (UBA) is appealing to the grocery trade to include deposit bottle alternatives in their beverage range in addition to non-returnables.

The first half of the Fifth German Environmental Survey (GerES V) was completed at the end of May 2016. By that time, the number of participants had reached 1,326 children and adolescents and their parents, from 101 locations. The study examines the extent to which children and adolescents in Germany are exposed to environmental stressors.

People with higher incomes usually consume more energy and resources – regardless of whether they perceive themselves to be environmentally aware or not. These are the findings of a new study by UBA.

Some 2.2 million people were employed in the environmental protection sector in Germany in 2012, say updated figures from the German Environment Agency (UBA), which is an increase of 245,000 jobs (12.5%) compared to 2010. Great increases in employment have notably occurred in the services sector associated with environmental protection.

Whether it is greenery from the home garden or fruit and vegetable scraps from the kitchen, some waste is just too valuable to become residual waste. The compost heap at home can turn kitchen and garden waste into valuable humus. The German Environment Agency (UBA) has updated its manual on composting with hints and advice on how to make good compost.

International Noise Awareness Day 2016: Three out of four in Germany feel disturbed by noise. A 30 km/h speed limit is not only quieter but also safer.

A victory for environmental protection: Cybutryn, better known by its trade name Irgarol®, may no longer be used as the active substance in antifouling products on boat hulls after 27 January 2017.

Since 27 December 2015 consumer goods may no longer exceed a very low content of eight carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). A threshold of 0.5 mg/kg applies for toys and baby items. Other rubber or plastic products such as gardening gloves or mouse pads may contain no more than 1 mg/kg.