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sustainablility tips

Sustainability tips

FIND YOUR OWN GREEN WAY - A CHALLENGE THAT PAYS OFF

A green lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular and there is a rethink in light of climate change. What is certain is that a sustainable lifestyle is first of all a change and takes time, because humans are creatures of habit.

But if you don't let that put you off and want to do something for the environment and your own health, you will soon find out that simple things can already be lived very well and more consciously. So even small changes can make a difference and thinking about your own consumer behavior is a good start.

We give you tips on how you can organinze your everyday life more environmentally friendly without giving up much.

Fighting garbage
  • Kaffeebecher auf einer Wiese
  • Mülltonnen im Blumenbeet
  • Einkaufswagen mit Obst

  • Separate household waste into paper, waste glass, packaging, organic and residual waste and dispose of it properly

  • Avoiding garbage - the most environmentally friendly garbage is that which does not arise at all

  • When shopping, pay attention to recyclable products and buy reusable rather than disposable products

  • Before you buy groceries, plan your meals well for the next few days so that things are not left over unnecessarily and have to be thrown away after they have expired

  • Always plan a “leftovers day”

  • In many cities there are unpacked stores that allow shopping without plastic packaging

  • Get rid of the plastic bags - it’s best to always have a bag with you, that saves unnecessary bag shopping - even for spontaneous purchases

  • Use reusable coffee mug to go instead of cardboard coffee mug

  • The so-called “Tupperware” is better than cling film and freezer bags or aluminum foil

  • Upcycling – process objects for jewelry or decoration

HOW TO SAVE ENERGY

  • Solarenergie
  • Zukunft Natur
  • Windenergie

  • Think about switching suppliers to a green electricity supplier from renewable energies (solar, wind and hydropower)

  • We recommend Greenpeace Energy, because here you are on the safe side that it is "real" green electricity.

  • Use a washing machine with a hot water connection and do not use excessively high temperatures, ideally use eco programs

  • Dry clothes outside instead of using the dryer

  • Make smaller purchases to save electricity in the household, such as Motion detectors for hall lights, programmable thermostats for the boiler, LED lamps

  • Cook and bake without preheating or with residual heat, and cook with the lid on

  • Let the dishwasher run in the economy program and fill it well

  • Do not leave devices in stand-by mode, instead use power strips to switch them off

  • When traveling, always disconnect the devices from the power supply at home

  • Regular defrosting of refrigerators and freezers maintains performance and reduces energy consumption

  • Pay attention to the best energy efficiency class (A +++) when purchasing new devices

  • Electricity consultation with an energy consultant even saves a lot of money in the long term

WATER SHORTAGE CAN AFFECT EVERYONE - SAVE TIPS FOR WATER

  • Regenwasser
  • Naturstrand
  • Wasserrad

  • Instead of bathing, prefer to take a shower, but no perpetual shower ceremonies

  • Install an economy shower head

  • When washing hands, lathering, shaving and brushing your teeth, close the tap in between

  • Press the toilet flush briefly or use the economy button

  • Do the laundry without prewash and if the dirt is not too heavy, select a short program

  • Always fully load the washing machine

  • Use rainwater to water the garden and do not mow the lawn too often, as this will dry out faster

  • Avoid lawn sprinklers in the garden - a drip hose is better because it guarantees better irrigation with less water and without rapid evaporation

WARM, WARMER, THE WARMEST - TIPS FOR A MORE CONSCIOUS HEATING

  • Holzenergie
  • familienzeit
  • wohltuende Wärme

  • Heat less, especially when you are not at home

  • Do not create a sauna feeling in the house - the optimal room temperature is around 20 degrees (22 degrees in the bathroom, 17-18 degrees when sleeping)

  • Better a hot water bottle in bed than a heated bedroom

  • Never hang up or block radiators, so they can work most efficiently

  • An insulation layer directly behind the radiator reduces heat loss through the outer wall

  • Saving heating energy through closed shutters and doors, especially at night

  • Quick ventilation instead of continuously tilted windows is more sensible and saves energy in the winter.

  • Programmable thermostats on the radiators help to optimally set the heating cycle in every room and thus save a lot of energy

SLOW FASHION INSTEAD OF CHEAP FASHION FROM LARGE FASHION CHAINS - SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING

  • Kleider selbst nähen
  • Deko aus Naturmaterialien
  • historische Nähmaschine

  • More space in the closet - only buy clothes and shoes in moderation - just what you really need

  • Pay attention to organic cotton, this is marked on the clothing seal (FairTrade Certified Cotton, Fair Wear Foundation, GOTS– and the IVN Best seal)

  • Avoid chemicals – instead consider clothing made from sustainable materials such as milk, linen, wool, algae, hemp or modal

  • Depending on your talent, make your own clothes with the sewing machine

  • Other alternatives are: borrow, exchange, or buy second-hand

LOOK CLOSELY AND PROTECT THE CLIMATE - SHOPPING AND CONSUMER TIPS

  • Naturkosmetik
  • Bienenschutz
  • natürlich geniessen

  • Drinking tap water instead of buying water in PET bottles - that's even healthier

  • Buy regional and seasonal groceries - avoiding plastic bags

  • If you have a garden - grow fruit and vegetables yourself

  • Reduce meat consumption, because factory farming harms the environment and eating too much meat is unhealthy

  • Cook more often yourself to avoid controversial ingredients with poor life cycle assessments and to save energy and packaging waste

  • Replace environmentally harmful cleaning detergents and those with an biodegradable concentrate. Toilet stones are useless and pollute the wastewater

  • Instead of the standard cosmetics with toxic ingredients (aluminum or plastic) you can switch to the more tolerable organic cosmetics, or even do it yourself

  • There are washable alternatives for cotton pads and facial tissues in every drugstore and they have a much lower impact on the environment

  • Drive less car - prefer to switch to bicycle, public transport or carpooling

  • Reduce paper consumption and use recycled paper

  • Find out more about sustainable insurance and green health insurance companies - maybe a change is worthwhile here too

  • Also consider switching banks to GLS Bank, because it invests only in sustainable companies and projects according to very strict criteria

AND FINALLY – SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

We have dedicated a separate area to this topic because it is our special concern and we have exactly the right accomodation on greenline-hotels.com.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

If you want to know more precisely, you can even make your own lifestyle measurable by determining the ecological footprint.
https://www.fussabdruck.de/fussabdrucktest/#/start/index/ 

You can find more interesting articles on sustainable lifestyle on our Green Lifestyle blog...

Read more: sustainablility tips

sustainable holidays

Sustainable travel - For the love of nature

Traveling is fun and broadens the horizon. Tourism is booming worldwide, but we often forget that our desire to travel can also have a negative impact on the residents of the holiday destination and our environment. Researchers at the University of Sydney have calculated that global tourism is responsible for eight percent of human's total CO2 emissions. Of course, giving up traveling altogether doesn't help, but gentle tourism can also be really fun!

Nachhaltiges Reisen

MORE THAN JUST A HYPE!

Sustainability is not just a trend, it has developed into a worthwhile lifestyle that offers people a good feeling and an alternative worth living. Sustainable tourism should in no way restrict the desire to travel. It is more about traveling more consciously, but at the same time more exciting and healthier. All that is needed is a slight rethink and to direct one's own awareness of essential things such as nature experiences, healthy culinary delights and slowing down.

The plane as a mode of transport is the most environmentally harmful way to travel. A return trip by plane from Berlin to Mallorca has a climate impact of 722 kg CO2 per person. This corresponds to the amount of emissions that we generate for half a year of driving. It is certainly not objectionable if we want to get to know the world, even without flying shame, but as with many things, the healthy measure plays an important role here. Ultimately, there is still the possibility to compensate for your flight by contributing to a climate protection project, most airlines offer this already.

Why always wander into the distance - the good is yet close?!

Holidays in your own country are very much in vogue because time, nerves and CO2 emissions are saved and a higher safety standard is usually guaranteed. People who also want to pay attention to sustainability when traveling can also find numerous great holiday destinations in their home country. The best thing about a break in your own country is the possibility of a climate-friendly arrival by train, bus, car or maybe even by bike or e-bike. Also the vacation arrangement with the many possibilities for relaxation or action-rich experiences in nature are mostly absolutely given.

Where does your next sustainable journey lead?

No matter where you are headed - many things can be experienced and enjoyed sustainably on holiday, without sacrificing comfort. Also read our tips for a sustainable vacation trip.

  • Mädels Städtetrip
  • Spaß am Reisen
  • Romantik am See

OUR TIPS FOR YOUR SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAY TRAVEL:

With our proposals for sustainable travel, which corresponds to gentle tourism, we would like to inspire you to behave more attentively even in the most beautiful time of the year and to appreciate and preserve nature.

  • Choose destinations that are not too far away: a nearby holiday destination saves time and protects the environment. Air travel and cruises in particular are very harmful to the environment. When traveling less than 700 km, use environmentally friendly means of transport at best.

  • Avoid all inclusive vacation: socially responsible travel also means moving out of the hotel and discovering the region's restaurants, bars and cafés. The local population should benefit from their guests.

  • Put together your vacation yourself, instead of booking a package tour: Even if you need a little more preparation, a trip that is put together according to environmental aspects promises more experiences and increases anticipation.

  • When booking a holiday, pay attention to the sustainability seal: the accommodation should not be judged solely on the basis of price and equipment. More info on www.greensign.de

  • Only pack as much as you need: whether by car, ship or plane - the more weight the luggage has, the more gas and energy is consumed and thus CO2 is produced

  • Google Maps and online travel blogs instead of maps and travel guides: digitisation enables us to act sustainably and conserves resources

  • Use the bike or public transport on site: instead of your own car or rental car, the area can also be explored in an environmentally friendly way

  • Save electricity: in the hotel room or in the apartment there is no need for unnecessary light or air conditioning to work

  • Safe water: the faucet in the accommodation does not have to run unnecessarily, e.g. brushing teeth or lathering in the shower; towels can also be used a second time or even longer

  • Avoid waste and dispose of properly: when shopping on site - avoid plastic and choose regional products - and handle your own waste responsibly

  • Compensate for unavoidable CO2 emissions: many operators, means of transport and accommodation offer the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions through a non-profit organization. With a donation, you contribute, among other things, to generating electricity from renewable energies.

  • Animal welfare and plant diversity: preliminary research on protected animals and plants at the holiday destination can help to be mindful of the flora and fauna on site. Also avoid animal shows if they are accompanied by cruelty to animals. Avoid endangered animal and plant species and protected cultural assets when buying souvenirs.

  • Respect for the beliefs, customs and traditions of other cultures: respect religious buildings as holy places and pay attention to clothing and restraint. Always ask for permission when taking pictures.

In summary, the term "sustainable tourism" can be described according to a definition in the environmental database as follows: "Tourism is considered sustainable if it enables all resources to be used in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be met and at the same time cultural integrity, essential ecological processes and biodiversity are preserved.” An environmentally friendly recovery is given when your own holiday goals can be implemented sustainably and at the same time no damage to culture and the environment is left behind, on the contrary: the region should even be encouraged through vacation.

A hotel booking on GreenLine-Hotels.com makes this possible to a very high degree, because the certification with the GreenSign sustainability seal or other recognized labels as well as the great focus on regionality and authenticity give you the certainty that you will find sustainable holiday experiences here without sacrificing comfort or having to accept high rates.

We wish you lots of fun and many unforgettable experiences on your next sustainable trip!

THE PERFECT WAVE IN THE NORTH SEA - INSTEAD OF 11.800 KM DISTANT HAWAII

Watch out for surfers and kite fans! The North Sea is a true surfers paradise with ideal conditions - and a much more sustainable travel destination than the beaches of Australia, Spain or America! The North Sea coast is suitable as a nature experience for mudflat hikers, as a sun destination for beach holidaymakers and also as an action hotspot for windsurfers. You can board the coast at up to 45 kilometers per hour and have a wonderful view of dunes, harbors, lighthouses and bays. The hottest surf spots include Sylt, the island of Norderney, St. Peter-Ording and the Baltic Sea resort of Eckernförde. Numerous excellent water sports schools offer beginners an ideal introduction to this challenging and fun sport.

Nordsee Surfer Paradies

BEACH FUN WITH LOTS OF CHARM AT THE BALTIC SEA - INSTEAD OF MALLORCA

Especially in the last few years we have had great summer weather in Germany and it was usually even warmer than in the Balearic Islands! Another reason to choose our beautiful Baltic Sea over the Mediterranean is the versatility of the coast. Fine white sandy beaches alternate with legendary cliffs and unique lagoon shores. The possibilities for activities on the Baltic Sea are in no way inferior to those in Spain or Greece. Here you can go hiking, cycling, diving, surfing and there are numerous excursion destinations and cultural events available for colder days. Even in winter, the Baltic Sea has its charm and on a short wellness break you can combine relaxation in the pool and sauna with a walk on the beach in the fresh sea air. Sustainable and healthy!

Ostseestrand

RELAXATION BETWEEN COAST AND ALPS - INSTEAD OF WELLNESS TRAVELS AROUND HALF THE WORLD!

Massage therapists in Germany also master a good Thai massage! Certainly, other cultures and unknown wellness experiences await us in the distance, but isn't all the relaxation lost on the long return journey? There are so many wellness hotels, health resorts and thermal baths here in the country that, in addition to taking a break from everyday life, also offer a beautiful environment for relaxing walks in healthy nature. The culinary diversity of the German regions is also huge and so you can also enjoy new taste experiences.

Sauna mit Ausblick

UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVES ARE NOT ONLY ON THE AMAZON!

The Spreewald with its lagoon-like water labyrinth, unique in Europe, also offers a capital experience of nature in our country. This branched river landscape in the south of Brandenburg can be explored best and most environmentally friendly by boat, paddle boat, bike or while hiking. During a stay, you will get to know the interesting culture and delicious cuisine of the Sorbs and experience charming hospitality.

Spreewald

Our hotels are also close to the following other UNESCO biosphere reserves:

  • Hamburg Wadden Sea

  • Lower Saxony Wadden Sea

  • Upper Lusatian heath and pond landscape

  • Black forrest

ADRENALINE BETWEEN HARZ AND ALLGÄU - INSTEAD OF MOUNTAINEERING ON THE HIMALAYA

A holiday in the German low mountain ranges or in the foothills of the Alps promises action, natural spectacles and hiking dreams! Experience, for example, an exciting climb on the spectacular rocks of Saxon Switzerland, a fast ride with the megacipline at the Rappbodetalsperre in the Harz Mountains or an exciting hike in the rock labyrinth in the Fichtelgebirge. Climb the highest peaks, such as the 1,493-meter-high Feldberg in the Black Forest, the 1,215-meter-high Fichtelberg in the Ore Mountains or the 2,656-high Großer Krottenkopf in the Allgäu Alps. Mountain romance, idyllic river valleys and warm-hearted people await you in Germany's beautiful mountain regions.

Wanderurlaub

CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN OUR CITIES - INSTEAD OF NEW YORK - RIO - TOKIO

The metropolises in Europe have a long and exciting history and can mostly be reached by train. Whether feelings of love in Paris, Nordic flair in Hamburg, variety of museums in Berlin, enjoyment of art in Dresden, castle romance in Potsdam, Bavarian traditions in Munich or architectural wealth in Leipzig - the cities in our latitudes have so much to offer.

deutsche Metropolen

There are also numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. Our GreenLine Hotels are close to the following highlights:

  • Archaeological border complex Haithabu and Danewerk

  • traditional Ore Mountains

  • Speicherstadt and Kontorhausviertel with Chilehaus in Hamburg

  • Fagus plant in Alfeld

  • Classic Weimar

  • Collegiate Church, Castle and Old Town of Quedlinburg

  • Palaces and parks of Potsdam and Berlin

  • Margravial Opera House Bayreuth

We wish you many valuable and unforgettable experiences on your next trip with a clear conscience. Browse our website in the hotel search for the sustainably certified hotels and find your next travel destination!

If you would like to learn more about the "Green Lifestyle", we recommend you take a look at our sustainability tips.

Read more: sustainable holidays

GreenSign

GreenSign

and other

certificates

On GreenLine-Hotels.com you only book environmentally friendly, quality-conscious and socially committed hotels!

We are aware of the importance of sustainability when traveling. It is not only enough to reduce the ecological footprint. Ecological responsibility, social commitment and economic stability must be firmly anchored in the hotel concept and implemented in a tranparent manner with a comprehensive sustainability program.

GreenLine-Hotels.com is the hotel booking platform for authentic and sustainable hotels that meet the most important criteria for sustainability to a very high degree. All of the hotels shown on GreenLine-Hotels.com have been awarded a recognized and qualitatively demanding sustainability certificate.

GreenSign

The GreenSign is an established sustainability certificate, which is tailored to the hotel industry in a practical manner. It is awarded by GreenSign Institute.

The certification process is very demanding and extensive. The criteria examined include seven core areas for sustainable business:

  • Management and communication

  • Environment (energy, water and waste)

  • Supply

  • Regionality and mobility

  • Quality management and sustainable development

  • Social responsibility

  • Economic responsibility

In order to receive the certificate, the hotels must positively answer up to 90 percent of the total of 92 questions in accordance with the desired level. This is checked by an independent auditor on site before GreenSign Level 1 to 5 is awarded.

During the certification process, each hotel individually defines a targeted program of measures with clearly defined sustainability aspects of all seven core areas. This qualitative management system is therefore more than just an award, but has the constant development of the sustainability of the hotel as its goal.

The hotels certified with GreenSign meet the highest quality requirements for sustainable management. With the sustainability barometer on GreenLine-Hotels.com in the hotel view, you get a transparent overview of the actual sustainability of each hotel in the individual core areas.

GreenSign certification must be renewed every 3 years, which allows for an increase in GreenSign level with increased sustainability performance.

other accepted seals

Sustainably managed hotels that have been certified with one of the following recognized seals can also be booked on GreenLine-Hotels.com. We also accept these certificates because they consider the main criteria for sustainable hotel operations and thus grant a high standard in the review of sustainability performance.

Read more: GreenSign

GreenSign Nachhaltigkeitssiegel

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