Sandra Freimuth
Head of People and Communications
The #smallthingsmatter Initiative
It's all about the little things!
#smallthingsmatter
Sustainability is on everyone's lips, and not just since the Fridays for Future movement. We all need to understand that we need to take care of our environment if we want to benefit from its resources for a long time to come. That is why companies must use their influence and set the best possible example - depending on their capacity. We believe that it is essential not to engage in "greenwashing", but to do your best within your means. This statement is based on the conviction that everyone and every company can do something to make their own environment more sustainable - even if it's small things.
Against this background, our idea for the #smallthingsmatter initiative was born. The idea: there is a lot of knowledge online about how we can lead a more sustainable life. But many everyday tips simply remain unknown to us. Yet we can already make a difference when we go shopping at no extra cost. And so there are many small things that we would like to bring to the attention of our readers with this website. We are on the lookout for products, applications and ideas that promote sustainability. And true to the motto #smallthingsmatter, we are also setting an example that everyone can make a difference in small ways.
Because everyone can make a positive contribution to their environment!
We collect and share everyday knowledge
Here we regularly publish useful, well-known or unknown everyday knowledge that can make all our lives more sustainable. Because while the web is full of knowledge on the subject of sustainability, important everyday tips often simply remain hidden from us. We want to help make our world more sustainable. That's why we share existing knowledge and make it visible here.
It's the little things ... like search queries
Ecosia for search queries
"Let me google that real quick!" We all use this phrase several times a day. When we have a question, we simply Google it. One of the reasons for this is that Google is, of course, usually already pre-installed in all browsers. An alternative that also works well is Ecosia. And this search engine is different. Namely, the company uses its sales to plant trees - in some of the most inhospitable regions on earth. In addition, the company publishes monthly financial reports so that it is always possible to see what happens to the revenue from search queries. Furthermore, Ecosia relies entirely on renewable energies to operate its servers. Another charming aspect is that data protection is also a top priority for Ecosia.
It's the little things ... like plugs
Unplug more often
A charging cable consumes energy even when no cell phone, tablet or laptop is being charged. The reason is the transformer, which ensures that the 230 volts from the socket are converted to the necessary level. Devices such as computers and televisions also consume unnecessary power in standby mode. This can be remedied by multiple plug strips whose off switch is pressed as soon as the user leaves the office or home: With five devices, this saves around 100 euros and 220 kilograms of CO2 per year.
It's the little things ... like masks
Mask disposal
At the latest since the mandatory mask disposal, more and more masks end up on the street, in the wrong garbage can and therefore also in our lakes and oceans. This can very quickly have a negative impact on our environment. The problem is that OP masks, just like FFP masks, are partly made of plastic and therefore do not decompose. Nevertheless, they do not belong in the yellow bag, but in the residual waste, because they are not recyclable. And we have another problem: in addition to improper disposal, the ear bands can also cause considerable harm to our wildlife, for example if they swallow parts of them or get caught in them. That's why it also helps to cut up the ear flaps before disposing of them. Another little thing with a big effect!
It's the little things ... like bees
Simply protect bees
Almost 80% of our honey consumption comes from imports. Honeys from the supermarket are often mixtures of honeys from non-EU countries. These are very likely to contain honey from South America - where genetically modified plants are grown on a large scale, the pollen of which then gets into the honey. This can also bring bee diseases to Germany. Therefore, we protect domestic bees by buying EU honey.
It's the little things ... like yogurt cups
Don't rinse out the yogurt cup separately
It's almost a reflex: the yogurt pot is empty, and you automatically feel the impulse to rinse it out. The fact is, however, that this is not necessary, because rinsing is not required for recycling. If you clean the yogurt cup separately, you're just wasting water unnecessarily and not doing the environment any favors. In other words, you should be happy to spoon out the cup cleanly, tear off the aluminum lid in the case of plastic cups, and then send it off for recycling. Incidentally, yogurt cups made of reusable glass are the better choice in terms of the environment and resources. But even there, there's no need to rinse them before they go into the recycling bin or to the deposit machine.
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS ... LIKE EGGS
Protect male chicks
Male chicks may be killed after hatching. This applies as long as the sex determination in the egg is not ready for serial production. However, those who like eggs today already have some alternatives to protect male chicks. For example, we have the option to cross-subsidize male chicks with some brands by paying a small premium per egg. So look out for packaging instructions such as "By buying these eggs you are supporting the rearing of male chicks".
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS ... LIKE RECEIPTS
Do not throw receipts in the paper waste
Not all paper is the same - this also applies to sales slips. Most of the time, it is thermal paper with a temperature-sensitive layer that forms a dye when exposed to heat. In other words, a chemical process takes place there. Which in turn means that we can't just throw the receipts we get at the supermarket or health food store in the trash and recycle them like normal paper. Instead, the small pieces of paper belong in the residual waste. An exception to this rule are ecobons labeled as eco-paper. By the way: Because of their special coating, baking paper, photos and beverage cartons also belong in the recycling garbage can or the yellow garbage can and not in the wastebasket.
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS ... LIKE BARBECUE
Barbecue, but properly
The best thing about summer is ...? Exactly! In addition to swimming and ice cream, the barbecue season is a firm part of the warm season for many people. But not all barbecues are the same. Because environmentally conscious barbecue masters take care to make the barbecue as sustainable as possible.
Charcoal: Charcoal is often made from tropical wood and has a double impact on the environment: because of the long transport routes and because tropical forests are important for the global climate and species conservation. It is better to use charcoal with seals such as FSC, PEFC or Naturland for sustainable forest management - or alternatively grill with gas and electricity.
Barbecue lighters: The lighters can also be sustainable, for example made of wood with wax and also with FSC certification. They not only smell better than gasoline or chemical lighters, they are also much safer.
Reusable instead of disposable: Disposable barbecues may be cheap, but they are used up after just one use - and therefore waste. By the way, this also applies to aluminum trays or plastic tableware. Therefore, it is advisable to spend a little more on both grill and accessories. But they also last a long time.
Meat: What ends up on the grill has the greatest effect on the environment. That's why we recommend meat from regional organic production and species-appropriate animal husbandry. But grilling can be much more than just sausages and steaks. Grilled vegetables also taste delicious, whether zucchini, peppers or mushrooms.
