Shopping and consuming sustainably

In short: Sustainable consumption means meeting needs while taking the environment, resources and fair working conditions into account. The greatest savings potential lies in not buying and using things longer.

In more detail: Labels help with orientation but differ in strictness.

In detail

• Do I need it? Check before buying, borrow or buy second-hand.
• Durability: Choose repairable products with a guarantee.
• Regional and seasonal: Shorter distances, fresher, usually fewer emissions.
• Labels: Organic label, Fairtrade, FSC, Blue Angel, EU energy label.
• Food waste: Plan, use leftovers; best-before is not an expiry date.
• Second-hand: Buy or swap clothes, furniture and technology second-hand.
• Sharing and borrowing: Tools, car, books.
• Greenwashing: Examine vague advertising without evidence critically (co2-fussabdruck-im-alltag, plastikmuell-vermeiden-im-alltag).