Why share, reuse and repair?

Before we throw something away, dispose of it or recycle it, it is worth considering what we can pass on to others or repair. In the city of Zurich, around 700 kilograms of waste are produced per person per year. Much of this could be avoided. Another family will certainly be happy about the baby carriage that is no longer needed. The broken toaster could perhaps be easily repaired. The ski boots that are too tight will fit someone else perfectly. In this way, we keep valuable materials and products in circulation for longer, reduce waste, and conserve resources. The same applies when we need something new. Does it really have to be new or can it be second-hand? Do I really have to own it or would borrowing or renting be an alternative?

Our consumer behavior also has a significant impact on the climate. Global warming is driven by greenhouse gases that we emit every day – for example, when heating our buildings, through our mobility, or as a result of our consumption patterns. Around a third of greenhouse gas emissions in Zurich are caused by our consumer behavior.