Sustainable through the winter: 6 environmentally conscious tips for the cold season
09.01.2024 - Many people have resolved to make their everyday lives more sustainable in the new year. High heating costs, unnecessary lighting and environmentally harmful road salt are just a few examples of why winter in particular is a challenge from an environmental perspective. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy a cosy winter and protect the environment at the same time. From conscious eating and nature-based activities to environmentally friendly decorations and clothing - here are six tips for a sustainable cold season.
For many people, winter brings a time of calm and cosiness, an opportunity for reflection and contemplation. Sustainable goals are often on the list of New Year's resolutions. But how can we put them into practice, especially at a time of year that is often associated with increased energy consumption and environmental pollution?
Seasonal food on the shopping list
Seasonal and regional organic food often has shorter transport routes and is therefore ideal for nature and the environment. Long transport routes consume a lot of energy and have a negative impact on the climate - especially when flying. The Seasonal calendar from the Federal Centre for Nutrition provides a helpful guide to which fruit and vegetables are in season in which months. In winter, it is mainly different types of cabbage. Mushrooms, leeks, parsnips and Jerusalem artichokes can also be eaten without hesitation. Beetroot, carrots, potatoes, celery, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, onions and radishes provide a good basis for winter dishes. The selection of seasonal fruit in winter is limited, but apples and pears overwinter well and stay fresh in storage.
Correct heating and ventilation
According to the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), heating accounts for 70 per cent of energy consumption in private households. It is therefore crucial to heat and ventilate consciously. An appropriate room temperature of around 20 degrees in the living room and 16 to 18 degrees in bedrooms can significantly reduce energy consumption. It is advisable to practise shock ventilation instead of continuous ventilation in order to minimise energy losses. Even small measures can help to save energy. For example, draughty cracks can be sealed or curtains closed at night to keep the heat in.
DIY: Winter decorations made from recycled paper and natural materials
You don't need to buy anything to bring the winter atmosphere into your own four walls. The next time you go for a walk in the forest, you could collect branches, pine cones or twigs of needles tied together. These can be used to make many beautiful winter decorations such as wreaths or arrangements. Recycled paper is another sustainable option for creative handicrafts. It can be used for homemade cards, gift tags or window decorations, for example.
Activities close to nature in winter
Even in the cold season, it is possible to get out of the house and experience something. Long walks in the woods with suitable clothing and warm socks, visits to the sauna or ice bathing - nobody has to be bored in winter either. How about trying out a new sport? Curling, for example. Unlike curling, you don't have to go onto the ice yourself, but can usually skate comfortably alongside the rink. Important for such activities: The journey should be made by environmentally friendly means of transport.
Environmentally friendly travelling in your own car
Even if public transport is often the safer choice in snowy and icy conditions, there are situations in which we are reliant on our own vehicle. To be more environmentally friendly when travelling in your own car in winter, you can follow a few tips. Don't let your car's engine warm up in the morning when it is stationary, as this is harmful to the environment, increases wear and tear and is also illegal. When driving, save fuel by shifting gears quickly or using low engine speeds. And instead of using chemical de-icing sprays to clear the windscreen of ice, you can simply use a cover. You can also make your own bio-ethanol as windscreen antifreeze.
Watch out for black ice! Alternatives to road salt
Road salt in winter can have a considerable negative impact on the environment. This is why its private use is banned in many German municipalities. According to BUND, road salt not only remains on the roads, it also finds its way into the surrounding nature through traffic and melt water. This can not only harm trees and animals, but also have other undesirable side effects such as corrosion damage to vehicles and bridges or damage to clothing and shoes. According to the Federal Environment Agency, the sparing use of road salt is only permitted in some local authorities in the case of stubborn icy patches and in hazardous areas such as stairs. Fortunately, there is also a particularly environmentally friendly de-icer based on biodegradable formic acid, which can be helpful for dangerous icing on stairs and ramps. Anti-icing agents such as sand, grit or wood shavings are also a good alternative to road salt. They provide a non-slip surface, but should be collected again after the winter season as they can only be recycled to a limited extent. A tip: Once the snow has melted, the grit can be swept up and simply used again the next time it snows.
Ultimately, the best solution is still good old-fashioned snow shovelling and sweeping. For older people or those with an unsteady gait, strap-on shoe spikes can also be a safe option to prevent slipping.
Cover picture: Stefan Straka/Pexels
Nadia Riaz-Ahmed is an online editor. She is most interested in everything to do with digitalization and new technologies.
