We can only resolve our environmental issues if we change our habits – how we live, consume, move and eat. Policymakers must ensure that environmentally friendly conduct be made easier and more appealing. How can this succeed?
A current special report introduced in Berlin on May 9 by the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) is dedicated to precisely this question. Christina Dornack, TUD Professor of Waste Management and Circular Economy, contributed to the recommendations as a member of the Advisory Council.

“We can only curb the ecological crises if we all do our part,” explains Prof. Annette Elisabeth Töller from the distance-learning university FernUniversität in Hagen, one of the two lead authors of the report. “From consumption to private investments to leisure activities: It is high time for policymakers to facilitate, promote and – if necessary – demand the pursuit of environmentally friendly behaviors.

For example, many consumers would be happy to use their smartphones for longer. But many prevailing factors make this difficult. Only rarely can people replace phone batteries on their own, replacing worn-out parts like the screen is often bothersome or not worth it due to cost, software updates are no longer produced for older models, and contracts offer strong incentives to purchase a new device. “The largest proportion of harm to the environment originates from smartphone production,” says Christina Dornack. “Designing products to last longer and clearly labeling them accordingly would benefit consumers and the environment.”

At least for smartphones, a new solution is emerging: The EU has recently stipulated that they have to be usable for longer in the future. But for consumers to actually hold on to their devices for longer, it has to become easier and a matter of course for people to repair them. The repair bonus that has already taken effect in Thuringia is set to be used in Saxony as well to ensure that people can make fair choices.

The expert council is certain that by changing the prevailing conditions, public willingness to pursue more environmentally friendly behaviors and support for the acceptance thereof can be increased. The report analyzes what political measures would be useful in the areas of meat consumption, smartphones and energy-efficient renovation as well as how they can be implemented.

More information:
Download the special report (in German)
Recording of the presentation of the special report coming soon here on YouTube (in German)
German Advisory Council on the Environment

Prof. Christina Dornack holds the Chair of Waste Management and Circular Economy at TU Dresden. She was appointed to the German Advisory Council on the Environment (SRU) in 2020 upon recommendation by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

Contact:
Prof. Christina Dornack
Chair of Waste Management and Circular Economy
Tel.: +49 351 463-44119