Tips for more climate protection

Tomatoes taste best in August. That's when they come straight from the field. Strawberry tart is delicious in June and lamb's lettuce in winter. Everything has its time and that even increases the anticipation. You can get fresh produce from Münsterland in many supermarkets, in organic and farm shops and, of course, at the weekly market. And short distances are good for the climate and the wallet. You can also recognise regional products by the Münsterland seal.

Simply take your last electricity bill and compare it with those of your friends. In addition, you can use the CO₂-online electricity mirror to classify your consumption.

The free ecoGator app helps you compare different appliances.

• Sort out second refrigerators: Secondary refrigerators in the basement are often completely outdated appliances that significantly increase the electricity bill.

• Defrost refrigerators and freezers regularly: Defrosting your fridge or freezer is quite easy and doesn't cost any money. Depending on the icing, defrosting usually takes no longer than an hour. In return, you can save about 15 to 45 percent energy per year. CO2-online tells you how best to proceed.

• Save hot water: Economy shower heads and aerators work wonders. Under-the-sink boilers use a lot of energy because they keep the water at a constant temperature. Electronically controlled instantaneous water heaters are better.

• 90 degrees and pre-wash are out: Your washing machine uses most of its electricity to heat the water. So the lower the temperature, the better. And with modern detergents, your laundry gets clean even at low temperatures. That's also the secret of eco programmes: they use much less electricity at low temperatures, even though they run longer. A full drum should be standard.

• Air conditioners waste a lot of energy: better: open all windows in the morning and evening and make sure there is a draught. During the day, lower the shutters and keep the heat out. Or use a fan if necessary.

• Just one click to protect the climate: In standby mode, electronic devices draw energy hour after hour. With a power strip that can be switched off, you can immediately and significantly reduce your electricity bill.

• Become Sherlock Holmes: track down the electronic money wasters in your home. Electricity meters can be rented free of charge from your local authority or from the consumer advice centre.

• Unplug your smartphone from the socket as soon as the device is charged. And always switch off the GPS module when it is not in use. Switch off the internet router not only during your holiday, but also at night, if you can do without your landline phone. This regular rebooting even helps it to function properly.

• Turn down the heating - put on your jumper! One degree less room temperature saves six percent heating energy. That's a lot. So: In autumn and winter, simply wear a jumper over your T-shirt or a cosy woollen jacket.

There are certainly opportunities in your town or municipality to make Münsterland a climate land together. Perhaps as a member of an environmental association, a climate alliance, an environmental advisory board, Fridays for future, Parents for future or other initiatives? Or you are simply a good neighbour and like to share:

Share and lend

A drill is used for an average of only 13 minutes in its entire life. A car sits around 23 out of 24 hours a day. Car, drill, lawn mower, shredder - you can really borrow or share everything. And there is more space in the cellar. In addition to this relief, there is guaranteed to be a big plus in your account because you only pay a share or only for use.

Sharing and with each other

When we do things together, it usually goes faster, is more fun and works better. Sharing a car or setting up a car pool, cultivating a garden together or living together, going on a bicycle tour, planning a hiking tour ...

Good value instead of cheap goods

Second-hand shops, recycling exchanges and Oxfam shops offer a high-quality and attractive range of second-hand furniture, clothes, books and household goods. Such shops preserve values and offer unique items that cannot be bought in conventional shops. They develop ideas. They cooperate with art and culture and initiate educational projects, for example workshops for school classes. Second-hand platforms are also a good way to save money and emissions and perhaps find something really special.

Renting instead of buying

Products that are only needed seasonally, such as the scarifier for the lawn in spring or clothes for a special occasion, can be easily rented. This already exists today and could be used more widely in the future.

Repairing instead of buying new

In a repair café, you can have your hi-fi system, bicycle or toys repaired. A repair café is a collectively organised form of self-help. Volunteers offer their knowledge free of charge because they are interested in technology, DIY and handicrafts. In a place like this, coffee and cake are just as important as screwdrivers and soldering irons. This strengthens the neighbourhood and mutual support. There's sure to be one near you! You can find some repair cafés listed here. Your municipality is not listed? Ask your local climate protection officer, maybe they have a tip for you.

Be a role model

Whether as a mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, teacher, nursery school teacher or pastor ... We can all ride a bicycle, use recycled paper, switch to green electricity, eat less meat, avoid air travel, invest money carbon-free - and be a role model for our children.