Spring has sprung, and for many it is an opportunity to clear up at home and bid winter farewell. To those concerned not only about cleanliness but also about our environment, the following advice by Prof. Dr. Andreas Troge, President of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA): Use detergents and cleansing agents as indicated. It saves energy, chemicals and water—and is better for health. Lots of... read more
Despite rise in German industry’s emissions in 2007
Although the German businesses participating in emissions trading in 2007 produced some 487 million tonnes of climate-damaging carbon dioxide (CO2) - amounting to 9.7 million tonnes, or two percent more than in 2006 - emissions trading already proved itself effective during the first trading period. Average CO2 emissions of 479 million tonnes in the first trading period (2005-2007) were slightly... read more
Brominated flame retardants: guardian angels with a bad streak?
Flame retardants save lives, for they can prevent fires. Many manufacturers therefore make use of these substances in electrical and electronic devices, insulation materials, or textiles. However, some of these would-be lifesavers are not entirely benign. It is brominated flame retardants in particular which can spread into the environment or accumulate in the food chain or in the human being. Th... read more
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act - ElektroG in effect for three years: Federal Ministry for Environment and Federal Environment Agency deliver positive summary
The Act Governing the Sale, Return and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Electrical and electronic Equipment (ElektroG), which was transposed into law three years ago, has also stipulated for the past two years that used equipment be separated and disposed of. Responsibility for disposal is in producers’ hands. Consumers have since been able to dispose of waste electrical and electronic equipmen... read more
Progress made or a standstill in environmental protection?
How exactly is the state of the environment in Germany? The answers to this question are provided in the new manual with environmental indicators (Umweltdaten Deutschland - Umweltindikatoren) published by the Federal Environment Agency. Whether it is energy productivity, land use or air, water or soil pollutants, the manual lists core facts on environmental issues stemming from the environmental c... read more
How good is drinking water quality in households with children?
Drinking water is a staple in nutrition. Statutory requirements stipulate that drinking water may not prove grounds for adverse health concerns. It must reach all households in impeccable quality. The quality of household drinking water can, however, be poorer than what the water works discharge. Data from the German Environmental Survey for Children (KUS) carried out by the Federal Environment Ag... read more
Environmental Research Plan 2008 now online
The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is now announcing its planned projects for the Environmental Research Plan 2008 (UFOPLAN 2008) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU) on the Internet. read more
Climate protection: Greenhouse gas emissions down by 2.4 percent in 2007
Overall emissions of greenhouse gases in Germany declined by roughly 24 million tonnes in 2007 as compared to 2006 (minus 2.4 percent). With a total of 981.3 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents emissions are now below the one billion threshold for the first time. Since 1990 Germany had achieved, by the end of 2007, an overall reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions of 20.4 percent. These are the... read more
