6 Ways To Live More Sustainably

Climate change is once again on everyone's lips. It's almost becoming a taboo word.
That's a pity, because it should always be possible to discuss such important issues openly and objectively. Directly attacking groups or people and deliberately polarizing should have no place here.

There are many theories and opinions. Basically you can think about it what you want. However, some facts and real examples can't be ignored. The Jungfrau Region's also not excluded. It's obvious that the rapid decline of the Upper and Lower Grindelwald Glaciers is linked to climate change. Grindelwald's older generation has been able to observe this tragic phenomenon since their school days.

Awareness is key. It's not about telling others how to live their lives. You should always start with yourself. Treat the matter honestly, openly and disciplined. Without letting others know about it all the time or any personal profit. But let's not go too deep...

Here are a few simple steps for everyone to help protect our environment:

#1 Regional & Seasonal Shopping

No matter if you eat vegetarian, vegan or meat: Try to shop regionally and especially seasonally. If possible, farms, markets and specialised small shops should be taken into account. It might be a bit more expensive but in terms of origin, production and quality it's definitely worth it. Inform yourself or talk to someone experienced. For example a butcher or a vegetable farmer. With more knowledge, you can also make your diet more balanced and healthier.

Try not to buy goods with long transport routes from abroad. Same goes with products from the greenhouse. Also pay attention to labels, for example for fish. Your dishes will also taste better if you cook with fresh, regional ingredients. Something you also appreciate when going to a restaurant.

#2 Food Waste

Take Switzerland, for example: Around a third of all food produced here is lost or wasted between the field and the plate. This corresponds to around 2 million tonnes of food per year or the load of around 140,000 lorries. That's a convoy from Zurich to Madrid when lined up. Almost half of the waste is generated in households and gastronomy: on average 320 grams of flawless food end up in the garbage here per person and day. That's almost a whole meal.

For you at home, this means: calculating portion quantities in order to be able to shop correctly and cleverly. And make sure that no food ends up in the trash unnecessarily. You can also use a product differently than originally planned (for example breadcrumbs from old bread). You'll be surprised what you can get out of it.

#3 Reusable Items

If you ever throw a party or are otherwise involved in an event: use reusable items. Plates, cutlery, mugs. Not disposable crockery. Also consider restaurants or other businesses that pay attention to such things.

#4 Minimize Plastic

Supermarkets or other providers sometimes leave us no choice. But if possible: Try to avoid plastic (incl. PET). Be sure to separate your waste, that means recycle properly. Try composting food scraps as well. Since a while now, you have to pay an extra fee fro small shopping bags in the Swiss «Coop» supermarkets. Certainly a good approach, but the responsibility to reuse them lies with the customers. Fabric bags are also a great variant, and they often have cool designs anyway.

#5 Travel Green

In order to reach certain destinations, you are almost dependent on an airplane – which doesn't mean that you have to fly 100 times a year. If it makes sense and is possible, you should try to travel by train or other public transport as well. Many people depend on their car. Nevertheless, you should only cover necessary distances wit it. Carpooling is a great thing, by the way. You don't have to drive alone, it supports the team spirit and you're also protecting the environment.

#6 Water

Can't say it often enough: We really have great water here in Switzerland. It's true.

Similar with the cloth bags: There are many cool reusable bottles you can buy. Take one with you and fill it up at a well, a creek or simply at the tap and enjoy fresh water. This also means that fewer plastic and PET bottles are put into circulation.

We think everyone can agree that such landscapes should be preserved: