A Guide to Sustainable Consumption Your Life Will be Better Without the Things You Do Not Need A Guide to Sustainable Consumption Your Life Will be Better Without the Things You Do Not Need Publisher Republic of Slovenia, Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy Slovenian Environment Agency, Vojkova 1b, Ljubljana Project Manager Barbara Bernard Vukadin Author Alenka Burja Editing Rdeči oblak Proofreading Janice K. Forry Design Aleš Salokar Translation Jaka Bartolj, Razplet Ljubljana, November 2023 This guide introduces readers to key challenges in five important areas of a consumer’s life that impact the environment the most: food, housing, mobility, household appliances, and household goods. Possible solutions are suggested, recommendations to increase sustainability are outlined, and examples of good practice in Slovenia are given. The guide also presents several graphs published in the Environmental Indicators in Slovenia (ARSO) and various diagrams that show the situation in the five mentioned areas. When describing these key areas, the guide follows the life cycle phases and the DPSIR concept. The final part of the guide features additional information and links to more in-depth sources. Kataložni zapis o publikaciji (CIP) pripravili v Narodni in univerzitetni knjižnici v Ljubljani Citing or publishing this guide in whole or part is allowed if accompanied by a citation. The contents may not be modified or used for commercial purposes. COBISS.SI-ID 176987395 Sustainable consumption and the topics covered in this guide are monitored in detail on the European level by the European ISBN 978-961-6024-96-9 (PDF) Environmental Agency through the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet), in which Slovenia takes part. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 2 Table of contents CONSUMERS ARE CHANGING THE WORLD PAGE 4 Your Wallet is Your Most Powerful Weapon PAGE 6 We are All Part of the Same Planet THE LIFE CYCLE OF PRODUCTS PAGE 7 The Secret Life of Our Goods FOOD PAGE 9 Tempest in Your Pot HOUSING PAGE 16 The Dark Shadow of Every Square Metre MOBILITY PAGE 22 A Metal Cage for Adults APPLIANCES PAGE 28 From Useful to Wasteful GOODS PAGE 33 My home Could Be a Department Store PAGE 39 An Overview of the Impacts of Modern Consumption PAGE 40 Golden Information for Wise Consumption Photographs and illustrations: © Krystyna Brągiel, Sustainably Yours /EEA, © Nina Lozej, NATURE@work /EEA, © William Richardson, NATURE@work /EEA; DOPPS © Alen Ploj (an owel); pexpeles © Climber Satoh, Wendy Wei; unsplash © Karel Vh, Beazy, Marek Lumi, Brina Blum, Kumpan Electric, Evy Prentice; freepik.coom The animals depicted throughout this guide are all protected species in Slovenia, directly endangered also by unsustainable consumption and production. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 3 CONSUMERS ARE CHANGING THE WORLD Your Wallet Can Be Your Most Powerful Weapon To buy, or not to buy. Our decisions matter. We are powerful. Our consumer demand and product choices affect supplies, the economy, society, the environment, our health, and the probability that our children will have quality and healthy lives. We have many opportunities to limit the negative impact of our lifestyle and habits. We can influence production and consumption. Making the right decisions when choosing a product requires us to have informed and comprehensive insight into how the production, use, and disposal of our favourite things affect our environment. In 2023, if the world were to consume resources drink, larger, warmer, and more comfortable as Slovenians do, the Earth Overshoot Day living spaces, more household appliances, DIAGRAM 1: Consumption footprint would be 18 April, meaning that in just three new furniture, clothing, etc. We want to travel of five consumer areas for the EU and Slovenia months, our resource consumption would have faster, longer and more frequently. All of these 50 exceeded the Earth’s capacity to regenerate increase our use of energy and water. those resources for the year. From a global 40 perspective, the last time there was no overshoot However, our planet has limits, so we need to was in 1970. We are putting future generations reverse these trends. Our role as consumers 30 into even more resource debt. Our environment is essential because our choices not only e [%] is increasingly polluted, and our quality of life affect producers’ decision-making processes 20 is declining. We are losing biodiversity and regarding which products to prioritise but Shar natural resources. We are fighting climate also the state of the environment in which 10 change, as the destructive August 2023 flooding we live (how degraded or polluted it is). After in Slovenia made dramatically evident. several years of awareness-raising, even the most careless among us have realised that 0 SI EU SI EU SI EU SI EU SI EU Housing, food, and mobility jointly cause most of our purchases act as a boomerang with around 80% of all environmental impacts, financial, health-related, and environmental Food from greenhouse gas pollution and the consequences. Housing excessive use of resources to the inappropriate Mobility handling of waste. Every day, there is an Numerous innovative ideas prove that we can Appliances increase in consumer demands —for food and change our harmful habits. Slovenia already Household goods Source: European Platform on Life Cycle Assessment (EPLCA) A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 4 DIAGRAM 2: Consumption footprint of products, Slovenia 6.1% 6.2% 20.4% 6.2% has many sustainable practices. We are mobility, household appliances and devices, seeing the opening of reuse centres, where and household goods. We examine these everyday items can be repaired, refurbished, areas in detail on the following pages of this 7.3% or upgraded for reuse and then sold for a brochure, following the life cycle of each. minimal price. In many places, bikes can The EU consumption calculator helps you be hired for trips around a city and in some assess your own consumer footprint (how towns, we can find repair, exchange, or rental your shopping habits and lifestyle strain the 15.1% 7.4% shops. We have information about craftsmen environment) and provides simple solutions to and shops that produce (almost) no waste. In reduce it. many Slovenian towns, local food markets have been revived, and some places have milk It would be short-sighted to ignore the 9.7% and egg vending machines. We are seeing environmental, social, and health effects of 11.5% more deliveries of boxes with fresh and local unlimited consumption and the products 11.0 % (organic) produce. Sustainability-based we buy. We need to react right away because fashion and socially responsible enterprises we know the solutions. It would be naïve of are becoming more widespread. The us not to opt for less harmful and healthier Dishwasher Slovenian Consumers’ Association provides alternatives. Our choice will, in many cases, Washing machine consumers with a wide range of information not remain ours alone—good ideas tend to Oven and legal assistance. Various NGOs are active connect people who can change the entire Refrigerator in sustainable consumption, and gradually, system. Fluorescent light more corporations are joining them. TV Sustainable consumption is no longer a Dryer Life cycle analyses have confirmed that choice, but it is our only solution if we want a Notebook the most negative environmental impacts healthy and equitable future. Be among those Mobile phone occur in five consumer areas: food, housing, who will blaze this trail. Other Source: European Platform on Life Cycle Assessment (EPLCA) A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: CONSUMERS ARE CHANGING THE WORLD 5 We Are All Part of a Single Planet Many different interrelated and connected factors affect the environment and our health. That is why we need a comprehensive approach to obtain solutions. The only way to achieve sustainable consumption and establish a circular economy is for all of us to be aware of our impacts on the environment and appropriately adapt our activities in response. Maintaining a balanced environment is crucial used materials and products into new products. We all need to be much more ambitious about for all of us. To keep this balance, we do not need Recycle: If all the above fail, we can properly using energy from renewable resources and revolutionary changes; most of the changes recycle an item so that the materials can be apply the knowledge and opportunities available involve simple changes in our behaviour. used to produce something else. We can buy in our everyday business, political and personal products made from recycled materials. decisions. Sustainable consumption provides Let’s look at the so-called R‘s: Rethink, Refuse, solutions to complex problems, and applying it Reduce, Reuse, Retain, Repair, Re-gift, will soon show us visible results. Recover, and Recycle. Rethink: We can DIAGRAM 3: think about the lifecycle of a product and its Actors in environmental impacts and reconsider buying sustainable it to lessen our footprint. Refuse: We can consumption transport consumers farming decide to refrain from purchasing a product or consuming as much energy in the first place. Reduce: We can use less non-renewable materials in production, make fewer purchases, finance environment reduce the amount of waste, and decrease or eliminate the use of toxic substances. Reuse: We can use a product again or give it a new demand & purpose. Retain: We need to use products for healthcare policy construction a longer period of time and avoid buying new & ones just because they came on the market. supply Repair: We can repair items instead of just education throwing them away. Re-gift: We can give an energy item away, donate it to the less fortunate, or sector sell it. Recover: We can remanufacture already commerce industry research A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 6 THE LIFE CYCLE OF PRODUCTS The Secret Life of Our Products Every product has its life cycle; it does not simply “show up” in stores and “disappear” when we grow tired of it. A product’s path to the consumer begins when the raw materials for its production are gathered and ends when it is discarded. Each phase affects our climate, environment, society, and health. Only when we add up the impacts from these various phases can we get a complete picture of a product's overall effect on the environment. We can definitely reduce environmental impacts during each life phase of a product. Our greatest responsibility as consumers occurs when we purchase a product, use it, and consider how to dispose of it. 1 2 3 The first life phase of a product begins with The second phase is The third phase is production. Manufacturers extraction of raw materials. This process processing, during which use various materials, energy resources, substantially degrades the natural environment and raw materials are modified water, and chemicals, including toxic ones. limits biodiversity in the affected areas, changing to manufacture a product. These processes also result in greenhouse gas entire landscapes and surfaces and altering water This phase can be very emissions and other pollutants that affect water, flows. Possible water and soil pollution, along with intensive in terms of energy soil, and air. It is not just outdoor air pollution dust, noise, and vibrations are side effects of such use. It often requires water and that is problematic, but also indoor. The activity. Extraction produces large amounts of waste, chemicals and produces gases production process also results in noise, waste some of which can be hazardous. Social factors like and dust particles that pollute (including hazardous waste), and workplace fair labour practices should be considered. the air, in addition to waste. accidents. Packaging is an integral part of the production process. Nowadays, products are frequently nestled in large (or excessive) quantities of packaging that can all too quickly 5 4 turn into waste. Paper packaging is relatively The fifth phase begins when we cease to use the The fourth phase is product use. easy to recycle, but plastic packaging is far more product. We can dispose of the product correctly At this stage, consumers can reduce complex, mostly because of its variety. by putting it into the appropriate bins, taking it to a their environmental impact if they waste centre, or donating or selling it. We can return act appropriately. It is essential This phase, in particular, is where a the product to the store where we bought it or to that we use products in an energy- product’s environmental footprint can be the manufacturer for it to be recycled or disposed of efficient way and increase their reduced the most, especially if the product properly. Dumping it in nature is entirely unacceptable. lifespan for as long as possible. is well thought out and designed. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 7 DIAGRAM 4: Differences between a linear and circular economy is bound to grow even worse with time. Technological improvements in products linear circular are also insufficient to limit these negative consequences because we continue to buy RAW more products. Because of this, we still use too TAKE MATERIALS many resources, dispose of too many usable materials, and create too many greenhouse RECYCLING SUSTAINABLE gas emissions, along with other pollutants MAKE DESIGN and waste. SEPARATE In the past few years, we have been USE WASTE WASTE COLLECTION advocating the use of a circular economy RESIDUES PRODUCTION model (cradle to cradle), which is based on natural processes and rejects the concept DISPOSE of waste. Like nature, the circular economy considers waste a resource, meaning we REUSE & REPAIR & REMANUFACTURE can slow down the depletion of the planet’s WASTE & SHARE DISTRIBUTION resources and reduce various environmental impacts. The circular economy focuses CONSUMPTION primarily on finding solutions that enable a more consistent circulation of resources. It is Source: Adopted from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation a production and consumption model based on three principles: the elimination of waste production and use of chemical substances, the In all the product’s life phases, make, use, and dispose” and is based on the retention of products and materials in use for transportation is a significant source of outdated assumption that natural resources as long as possible (through extended product negative environmental pressures. Most are available to us in unlimited quantities. lifetimes as a result of better design, which vehicles use fossil fuels, cause noise, and Because we only have one planet, we cannot makes it possible for products to be repaired, pollute (with their tyre particles, among other make infinite use of natural resources. Many renewed, refurbished, or optimised during things). The construction of roads to facilitate resources (water, soil, air, and ecosystems) are use before they are discarded or recycled), transportation also transforms landscapes and already heavily polluted, while the supplies and the use of renewable energy sources. By further impacts the environment. of raw materials (minerals, including rare optimising the use of materials, the circular earths and fossil fuels) are declining rapidly. economy contributes to restoring natural The phases described here represent the The consequences of unsustainable economic systems. Sustainable development is a broader dominant, linear economic model (cradle to growth and a profit-centred mentality are concept based on balanced economic, social, grave), which works on the principles of “take, already becoming evident, and the situation and environmental development. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 8 A Food Our meals are not just an opportunity for us to eat healthy, nutritious food that benefits our bodies and minds; they are also an opportunity for us to avoid low-quality food that is produced in a way that degrades the environment and causes climate change, disease, and suffering among people and animals. If we also avoid wasting food, unnecessary packaging, and excessive transport mileage, we have a winning meal! We can start our process with a thoughtful, responsible choice of groceries. VODNIK PO TRAJNOSTNI POTROŠNJI: PREHRANA 9 FOOD A Tempest in Your Pot Food does not just magically appear on our The situation with soya is similar. Because the tables. Crops are grown, food processed, EU has increased imports of this crop, it has stored, and brought to our shops, where lower greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, we buy them to prepare our meals. Usually, these emissions have increased in soya- we drive to the supermarket. During every growing countries like Brazil. Therefore, we step in the process, greenhouse gases and must understand what such intense farming other pollutants are released. Therefore, practices mean for the environment and find it is unsurprising that almost a third of all appropriate solutions. Example of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food. Among the leading Farming is one of the world’s biggest good practice causes of these emissions are animal-based industries and employs about a fourth products, primarily red meat, dairy products, of the world’s population. Most of these Dobrina in Jurovski Dol is a co-op of and farmed fish. That is why we should choose farmers are small. In Asia and sub-Saharan producers that ensures sustainable mostly plant-based and locally produced food Africa, small farmers produce 80% of all local food supplies and functions that requires shorter transport routes. food products, mostly on farms smaller than as a social enterprise. It presently ten hectares that traditionally tend to be The food sector is a very complex system. sustainable. This approach to farming ensures has 140 members. It ensures fair It comprises a network of farms and various a greater diversity of flora and fauna and a better wholesale prices and enables joint producers, manufacturers, shops, restaurants, quality of soil and food while preserving jobs, problem-solving. It organises and households worldwide. In this vast global usually within a family circle or community. educational activities and provides system, the distribution networks are very The effects of globalisation, in the form of practical assistance to farmers interconnected. The avocado is a case in point. farm consolidation or from pesticide use, are (planning crop rotation, vegetable Because the demand for this fruit has grown endangering small farms. Crop production is production, and organic farming). substantially, primarily in Europe, avocado increasing primarily because large farms and The co-op significantly helps exporters (such as Mexico) have increased large food-growing corporations use intensive smaller farms survive, including by production, causing degradation of the farming and shape prices that do not reflect encouraging additional activities on environment and nature (because of the environmental pressures caused by this those farms. increased water use and deforestation). type of agricultural activity. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 10 Human interventions, i.e., farming, KEY construction, and infrastructure, have led to the thoughtless destruction of Industrial hemp is simple A teaspoon FACTS numerous ecosystems. In Europe, 70% of to grow and has many uses. of rich soil wetlands have vanished, and the situation It was previously used in large contains more living is similar in Slovenia. When habitats are quantities in Slovenia. Hemp organisms than there destroyed, biodiversity decreases. For example, can be processed to make fabrics are humans on dozens of animal and plant species, including (for clothing, linen, towels, and Earth. amphibians, birds, and butterflies (Indicator: tablecloths), paper, ropes, NB02), are now protected in Slovenia. Given The production insulation, food (flour, tea, and suitable technological solutions or less of beef requires oil), cosmetics, and fuel. intensive farming practices, we could ensure 20 times more space an appropriate level of biodiversity in areas of and emits 20 times more high natural value. This way, we could secure greenhouse gases per gram biodiversity and preserve the variety of species of edible proteins than and habitats, and, therefore, the uniqueness of the production of plant The production landscapes characterised by a rich cultural and proteins (such as of useful and very natural heritage (Indicator: KM05). beans). profitable palm oil To produce a results in rainforest kilogram of beef, Over the past 20 years, the global destruction. we use about 1,800 population grew by more than 25%, litres of water. while farmland increased by just 4%. This imbalance is primarily because of more Pesticides are classified intensive farming practices that strive for into herbicides (for weeds), Bananas, higher yields from smaller areas, but not insecticides (against insects), mangoes, and peaches without a price. A similar trend can be seen fungicides (for mould and fungus), are tasty and healthy. in the EU, where the area of farmland has not and rodenticides (against rodents). However, a lot of water and increased, but the yields of crops grown on it More than 1,000 pesticides have pesticides are required to grow have. An additional concern for agriculture been registered. More than 16,000 them commercially: 12,000 litres of is the urbanisation of farmland, meaning different pesticides are now available water for a kilogram of peaches, 800 not only the irreversible destruction of a on the market. These include litres for a kilogram of bananas, natural resource but also a decline in possible phytopharmaceuticals (for 16,000 litres for a kilogram of food security. We frequently build on better farming) and biocides (for mangoes and 3,000 litres for a farmland rather than land with a lower farming other sectors). kilogram of dates. or environmental value (Indicator: KM10). A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: FOOD 11 The consequences of intensive and DIAGRAM 5: Structure of agricultural land use (Slovenia) monoculture farming are visible 2.2% everywhere. Intensive farming uses fossil 5.3% fuels (causing the degradation of landscapes 3.8% 3.7% and pollution), irrigation (use of water), large 2.9% 53.3% Meadows plastic greenhouses (landscape degradation, 2.7% Fields and gardens pollution), and artificial fertilisers and 4.9% Orchards pesticides, which pollute the soil and water Vineyards and therefore affect people’s health. The use of Hop fields genetically modified organisms can also be a Olive plantations challenge. Soil, which contains many organic Overgrown cultivated land substances, is full of life and can capture CO Mixed land use 2 and store it. Intensively farmed soil, however, dries out and becomes depleted. It Uncultivated agricultural land becomes the source of CO2 emissions into the 27.1% atmosphere and cannot absorb and regulate Source: ARSO, Environmental Indicators in Slovenia, water flow. In many parts of the world, we can Agriculture (KM10-1) see soil erosion, particularly in areas where forests were cut down and turned into fields. Over the past 150 years, we have lost half of the world’s topsoil. use, some animal and plant species have were higher in children than adults. Pesticides In Slovenia, the number of farm been disappearing. Several years ago, the can remain in the environment for multiple households focused on monocultures has inappropriate use of a particular pesticide generations. increased. In addition to soil depletion, caused Carniolan honey-bee populations in intensive farming with monoculture crops one part of Slovenia to die. After all, pesticides Another problem is the neglect of animal also makes these crops more vulnerable do not just destroy pests but can also harm welfare in intensive livestock farming. We to disease and pests, requiring the other animals and humans. Pesticide pollution see evidence of this in reports about inhumane application of more artificial fertilisers and is associated with chronic diseases, heart and conditions in which chicks are force-fed to phytopharmaceuticals. respiratory problems, neurological illnesses, grow faster, animals must endure confinement cancer, etc. An extensive biomonitoring study with limited space to move, and hormones are The widespread use of carried out in five European countries between fed to dairy cows. Diseases are becoming more phytopharmaceuticals and artificial 2014 and 2021 has shown that the bodies of 84% common. This results in the use of antibiotics fertilisers degrades soil and pollutes of participants contained at least two pesticides. that can remain in food products and be aquifers and air. Because of pesticide The study also revealed that pesticide levels consumed by people. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: FOOD 12 13 Globally, farming uses some 70% of Despite intensive farming practices, more Based on forecasts, more than half of the world’s drinking water–for livestock farming than 700 million people around the world population will be overweight or obese by 2035– and primarily for irrigation and watering are still experiencing hunger, illustrating the all because of unsuitable food or poor nutrition (including hydroponics). Wastewater can significant social impact of farming. While 10% practices. also be a source of pollution. In agriculture, of the world population is malnourished, there considerable energy is used to operate is a growing number of people (in developing In Slovenia, less of our food is of domestic machines and heat greenhouses. The process countries as well) who are overweight or obese origin, more is being imported and exported also results in nontoxic (plastic packaging) due to unhealthy nutrition practices (about 10% (Indicators: KM31 and KM33). We mainly import and toxic waste (residuals of pesticides and of the population). Excessive weight and obesity cereals, fruit, vegetables, and sugar, while we are fertilisers). are also problems in Slovenia (Indicator: PG16). almost self-sufficient in meat production (except DIAGRAM 6: Organic crop production (Slovenia, in metric tonnes) Cereals/grains Fruit Root crops Olives Industrial crops Grapes Green fodder Hay with permanent 2012 Fresh vegetables, melons grassland 2013 Source: ARSO, Environmental Indicators in Slovenia, 2014 Sustainable Consumption (PG07-4) 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 0 production [t] 3 0 , 0 0 0 6 0 , 0 0 0 9 0 , 0 0 0 1 2 0 , 0 0 0 for pork). Regarding meat consumption, Slovenia The average amount of food discarded by a To ensure food security, mitigating and is at the top of the EU list with 89 kilos per person Slovenian was 72 kilos in 2022. Most, almost adapting to climate change is of the utmost (Indicator: KM29). On the other hand, we do not half, of food waste is generated by households. importance. Food security means everyone consume enough fruit and vegetables. Among Catering and food service account for more than always has access to safe and nutritious food. vegetables, we produce mostly cabbage, lettuce, a third, while food waste is lower in grocery One of the strategies to adapt food production tomatoes, and onions (Indicator: PG07). stores and in production of crops (Indicator: is to change the selection of crops produced. PG13). Whenever we discard food, we also Other changes include technological ones, The food manufacturing industry also has waste energy, soil, water, and fertiliser used for such as gathering data on nutrient flows, soil a profound effect on the environment. Food production, packaging, and transportation. moisture, disease and pests, and the successful processing requires energy, water, and various adaptation to such challenges. Purchasing chemicals and additives. The manufacturing Climate change impacts farming food locally is also increasingly important. processes produce waste and residuals. Final significantly, and we feel its effects products transported from one part of the world everywhere. The distribution and amount of For farming to become more sustainable, to another are often kept in excessive packaging. precipitation have changed, while we are also everyone must play their role: farmers, The same applies to products on store shelves. seeing a higher number of sudden, extreme industry, retailers, politicians, and Then, sadly, about 30% of food worldwide is weather phenomena (e.g. storms, hurricane- consumers. We can all choose which and how thrown away. force winds) and mudslides. The growing season much food to buy and where. We should not has changed because drought and flooding have base our purchases on attractive packaging become more likely in certain areas. Because or retailers’ slogans. Instead, we need to pay of temperature changes, insects are becoming attention to the ingredients. It would benefit more widespread or are disappearing in some everyone if we chose fresh seasonal, local, areas. The spread of pests and invasive species unprocessed, and environmentally certified is particularly damaging. Slovenia has also food products. We can pick stores where we been seeing the consequences of extreme can weigh our selected products and buy just weather, including spring frosts, droughts, the right amount, so we don’t need to throw The Ecolabel for food can only be used high temperatures, severe storms, and floods anything away. We should also consider on products that an authorised national (Indicator: PP14), which have become more buying food without unnecessary packaging agency or body has certified as organic. common over the last few years and affect the and instead bring our own shopping bags. This label means that the goods have met production of fruit, some vegetables, olives, When preparing food at home, we can also strict criteria governing the methods of grapes, and honey. Higher crop prices are a consider using as little energy, water, and other production, processing, transport and consequence of climate change in 2023. These resources as possible. We can plan meals storage. In addition to the EU Ecolabel, prices would be even higher if we considered for the entire week and skip meat on some the product must include the code of the all the external expenses caused by the farming days, replacing it with an equivalent supervisory authority and the origin of industry’s effects on health, the environment, plant-based protein. the agricultural raw materials. and society. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: FOOD 14 10 ideas FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE KITCHEN #1 Choose varied meals and strive for balanced nutrition. #2 Good news Use glass or ceramic pots to store your food. Cover pots with lids instead of In Slovenia and worldwide, we are slowly plastic foil. but surely seeing more sustainable farming #3 practices, including organic, biodynamic, and Give preference to seasonal others. Recently, there has also been a focus on vegetables and fruit. #4 hay-based feed to produce meat and dairy, which Check the recycling number on the bottom has numerous advantages for both our health of the plastic packaging. The highest and the environment. As a mountainous country, #5 quality of plastic (which is least likely to Slovenia has the preconditions for such farming, release harmful chemicals) is marked with which enables biodiversity and helps preserve When possible, treat yourself the numbers 2, 4 and 5. to organic fruit and vegetables. natural resources. Organic agriculture in Slovenia is growing, however has yet to sufficiently meet consumer demand, mainly for fresh vegetables, #6 fruit, and non-meat farm products (cereals and Find a local food supplier. #7 dairy products). In Slovenia, livestock and Have at least one day a week grassland farming still dominate the without meat. Increase the number organic production sector. of meat-free days over time. #8 Take time to read labels and inform yourself about the origin of the food you are buying. #9 Try growing produce on #10 your balcony, windowsills, Reduce the amount of food you throw away. Buy just what you or in elevated gardens. need and use all your groceries. 15 B Housing We spend most of our lives in indoor spaces, whether at home or work. Those spaces are not always friendly to people or the environment, whether because of poor-quality built-in elements, inadequate maintenance and ventilation, or inappropriate heating. In addition, the established building, renovation, and maintenance practices can be wasteful in terms of energy and the environment. With more considered actions, residents and investors can drastically reduce the use of energy, water, and hazardous materials and lower greenhouse gases produced in housing. When we use natural building materials and renewable energy sources, our positive contribution to the environment is even greater. VODNIK PO TRAJNOSTNI POTROŠNJI: PREHRANA 16 HOUSING The Dark Side of Every Square Metre Two-thirds of Slovenians live either More than 92% of apartments in Slovenia are occupied (as they include holiday homes in single-unit or dual-unit residential are owner-occupied. (The EU average is and vineyard cottages), and some owners have buildings. Slightly less than a third live in 70%). The average usable space per occupant multiple homes. About 10% of the houses buildings with three or more units. The average is 30 square metres. The number of homes is constructed after 2005 are already more age of these buildings is 45 years, which is also almost identical to the number of households energy efficient. more or less the reference lifetime of built-in (more than 800,000), but not all the homes elements. Therefore, many of them are quite wasteful in terms of energy and need to have their windows, doors, and roofs replaced or repaired. Insulation must be improved or DIAGRAM 7: Dwellings by period of construction (Slovenia) installed, the wiring redone, and the heating system replaced or redesigned. Eighteen 4.85% 7.56% percent of households report that the home they are living in is in poor condition. Almost 10.42% 5% of Slovenia’s population lives in unsuitable 10.63% or overcrowded apartments, with problems 1919–1945 such as too few rooms for the number, gender, 1946–1960 and age of family members (Indicator: PG03). 8.51% 1961–1970 A certain segment of the Slovenian population 1971–1980 cannot afford a sustainable way of life. In 2022, 1981–1990 about 252,000 residents of Slovenia or 12.1% 1991–2000 of the population, lived on incomes lower than 16.28% 2001–2010 the risk-of-poverty threshold. In other words, 2011–2020 every eighth Slovenian lives below the poverty threshold (Indicator: PG14). Data about energy-poor households, mobility poverty, and health 18.46% poverty of the population also reflect this. Source: ARSO, Environmental Indicators in Slovenia, Sustainable Consumption (PG03-4) 23.29% A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 17 Construction and housing make up an Europe. Estimates indicate that greenhouse exceptionally complex system. It includes emissions due to the extraction of raw KEY both new construction, renovations, and the materials, the production of building FACTS Worldwide, use of existing buildings. All these phases materials, and other products for the 2.5 billion bricks require many different materials that have construction and renovation of buildings are thrown away as various environmental impacts. amount to 5-12% of total national emissions. waste material during building demolition. We could reduce these emissions by 80% by The use of Only 5% are intended On a global basis, the construction sector choosing more suitable materials. renewable for further use. contributes 23% to air pollution and 40% to energy sources for the pollution of drinking water. According Since January 2021, all new buildings in buildings in the to data from the European Commission, this EU member countries must be close to zero EU has grown by sector consumes half of all raw materials, energy, i.e., with minimal energy use and nearly a fifth. half of all energy and a third of all water. It is almost zero greenhouse emissions. We should Globally, the responsible for a third of all waste generated in also follow this approach when renovating resource we buildings because it enables us to drastically use the most is reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially if water, immediately A household we also stop using fossil fuels for heating. followed by pool, regardless concrete. of its size, tends to Constructing new buildings and renovating use large quantities of requires many natural resources, such as drinking water, electricity, stone, gravel, and sand, as well as plastics and and chemicals. It also other artificial materials. The manufacture requires the installation of mechanical equipment The and processing of these materials profoundly and plenty of space. operating impacts the environment due to the amount costs for new, A building constructed or of energy and water required, the resulting efficient buildings renovated using natural, air, water, soil, and noise pollution, and can be reduced by sustainable materials enables the chemicals added to some construction as much as 50% in five years. materials. a sustainable, self-sufficient In Slovenia, lifestyle. It has a collection tank The materials used in a building structure more than 10% for rainwater, a green roof, a fruit of households are must be high quality and environmentally experiencing energy poverty. and vegetable garden, and possibly friendly. They must not contain dangerous (They have been financially a conservatory. Its heating, hot chemicals. Therefore, when planning unable to ensure proper heating; water, and cooling sources are construction or renovations, we must consider they are late with payments for renewable, and the home has the materials we use to ensure they can be living expenses, or they live in homes with leaky roofs, damp energy storage devices, which can walls/floors/foundations, or also be used for electric cars. decayed window frames/ floors.) A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: HOUSING 18 DIAGRAM 8: Electricity consumption in households (Slovenia, in terajoules) reused or recycled. Some materials have a substantially lower carbon footprint and, 2000 therefore, contribute less to climate change. These include wood, straw, hemp, sheep’s wool, and reeds. In Slovenia, we once built our homes using only wood, stone, soil, straw, and bricks. Data show that buildings impact the 1500 environment the most in the use phase, mainly because of the energy consumed. Almost half of the electricity used in a home is for household appliances, while the rest is for Wh] heating water and spaces, cooking, and lighting (Indicator: PG02). Because of extremely high 1000 temperatures resulting from climate change, we are also seeing a rapid increase in energy used for cooling. Electricity end use [G By changing our behaviour, we can dramatically reduce our energy use. Setting thermostats to 26°C in the wintertime and 500 walking around in short sleeves is not only wasteful and irresponsible to the environment but also endangers our health. Using air conditioning when we have our windows open is similarly irresponsible. 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 5 2 0 0 9 2 0 1 1 2 0 1 6 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 We also use large amounts of drinking water in buildings and homes (even to flush Space heating Cooking the toilets). If we reduce water and energy Space cooling Lighting consumption, we also save money. A large Water heating Household appliances portion of the household budget is devoted to housing and utilities, i.e., water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, and these costs have been Source: ARSO, Environmental Indicators in Slovenia, Sustainable Consumption (PG02-3) constantly increasing (Indicator: PG06). We A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: HOUSING 19 can reduce water consumption by installing is not always the case. We are frequently faced water-conserving showerheads and taps, as with “sick building syndrome,” where people well as toilets with dual-flushing systems. develop different signs of illness (such as headaches, fatigue, or dry cough) connected In 2022, construction waste in Slovenia with pollution due to gases released from represented nearly three-quarters of all floor coverings, furniture from engineered Example of collected waste. (This included mainly wood, and other building materials and good practice soil and stones, but also bricks, concrete products that contain solvents, glues, paints, and concrete-based products, wood, metal, and varnish. plastics, and insulation materials.) Most of Slovenia has several exceptional these were used for infills, which is a pity Almost half of the settlements in examples of good practice in because the proper demolition of buildings Slovenia have fewer than 100 residents, sustainable construction and and appropriate waste sorting during while a quarter have fewer than 50. renovation. Many builders offer construction and renovation would enable The physical relief of our country is varied wooden homes (some as large these materials to be processed and reused. and mountainous. Settlements are widely as 8,000 m²) and buildings Designing buildings in a way that allows spread out, creating an uneven pattern that made of straw or clay. Numerous the optimum use of secondary materials is has resulted in poor land management and companies provide individual becoming increasingly important. the loss of farmland and habitats for flora sustainable or circular solutions and fauna. Car use is increasing, as is the for residences, either with We spend 90% of our lives indoors. construction of road infrastructure and natural or recycled insulation. Therefore, buildings should enable a safe its maintenance costs. In addition, rural Some offer natural paints and environment for residents, and indoor air settlements are losing their traditional coatings, innovative wood- quality should be high. Unfortunately, that rustic appearance and role. block walls, and ceilings made of Alpine wood without glues, chemicals, or metals. Recycled wood can also be used for flooring, doors, and windows (even thermally modified). A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: HOUSING 20 10 ideas FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE LIVING Good news #1 Under the LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE Watch the indoor temperature project, national indicators for in the winter; 21°C is a #2 sustainable construction are being sufficiently high and healthy Ensure pleasant indoor temperature and air developed to assist in transitioning to temperature. quality in the summer using suitable and more sustainable practices. The indicators time-adjusted ventilation and shade. will follow a new European framework for sustainable buildings (Level(s)), which #3 covers three topics: the environment (the Repair, update, or seal your #4 use of resources and the environmental windows instead of buying Install floors made of natural materials (bamboo, characteristics of a building’s lifespan), new ones. wood, cork, natural linoleum, or recycled materials) humans (their health and comfort), that are healthier and more environmentally friendly than those made of artificial materials. and the economy of use (the costs #5 and value of the building). Furnish your room with selected potted plants to help clean the air. #6 Gradually replace your old bulbs with LED lights. Even though LEDs are more expensive, they ensure significant cost savings over time and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. #7 Turn off the lights when you leave a room. #8 Get advice from the ENSVET network before beginning construction or renovation work. They provide free consultation for energy investments and assist with applications for financial support from the Eco Fund. #9 Use environmentally friendly paints and coatings (flaxseed, #10 tung oil, or wax) when renovating Install appropriate devices (toilets with a dual-flushing system or water-saving taps) to use water more walls or furniture. efficiently. You can also ensure taps are closed after use and immediately repair leaky faucets to conserve water. 21 C Mobility Because we tend to emphasise comfort above all, we spend more of our time in cars. They enable us to conquer distances quickly, but we also end up in traffic jams, lose time looking for parking spaces, and exercise less. The broader situation isn’t any rosier. Vehicle traffic is directly co-responsible for climate change, air and environmental pollution, traffic accidents, and the degradation of the urban space and landscape. We can improve this very poor picture simply by conducting trips shorter than a few kilometres on foot or bike. This way, we can reduce pollution, positively impact our health, save money, and feel much better. VODNIK PO TRAJNOSTNI POTROŠNJI: PREHRANA 22 MOBILITY A Metal Cage for Adults 1 0 0 % In Slovenia, more than a third of DIAGRAM 9: Key household households have two vehicles. Because expenditure (Slovenia) of the rising standard of living, households gradually have been able to afford an additional car (for adolescent children, for 8 0 % greater independence when heading to Food and non-alcoholic beverages work, or because of holidays and trips). With Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, the increase in the number of vehicles, the narcotics attractiveness of public transport began to decline. It became less competitive, Clothing and footwear comfortable, and justified in terms of time. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels 6 0 % The number of cars in Slovenia has Furnishings, househould equipment and routine doubled over the past 20 years. At the end household maintenance of 2022, there were almost 1.2 million vehicles (Indicator: PR11); more than half are diesel-Health powered and are 10.9 years old on average Transport (Indicator: PR12). Among the cars registered in Communication 4 0 % Slovenia, only 3% are electric or have hybrid Recreation and culture engines, but these numbers are steadily Education increasing. Hotels and restaurants Miscellaneous goods Our driving distances tend to be short. and services The key criterion in our decision to drive is 2 0 % time. Studies show that we use our cars to go everywhere: work, school, kindergarten, Source: ARSO, Environmental school or recreational activities, shopping, Indicators in Slovenia, Sustainable Consumption (PG06-1) 0 % 2002 2003 2005 2007 2010 2012 2015 2018 2022 A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 23 visiting relatives and friends, day trips, etc. Our shortest drives tend to occur when we KEY Intensive research is go shopping (Indicator: OP11). The second FACTS underway to find out what most common way of getting around is could replace fossil fuels. walking, but primarily only for distances It focuses on synthetic and of up to one kilometre. alcohol-based fuels, hydrogen, A bus can waste edible oil, biofuels Because settlements in Slovenia are transport at least (algae, hemp), and similar exceptionally scattered out, we are often 50 people, while a substances. forced to drive because there is no public car can carry five transport alternative. This is a consequence at most. of poor spatial planning, the unsuitable development of road infrastructure, and Electric vehicles, associated changes in public transport. The hybrid vehicles scattered settlement pattern is also problematic (when run electrically), because most jobs and educational institutions and hydrogen vehicles Today, we spend Fifty percent are in the Central Slovenia region. This usually produce less an hour travelling of urban land is settlement pattern causes mass commutes: noise than vehicles with from Ljubljana to Celje– devoted to streets, 150,000 people drive into (and out of) Ljubljana internal combustion the same amount of time roads, car parks, service every day for work. It is worrying for the engines. as 150 years ago when stations, driveways, environment that on more than two-thirds of the railway line was signal systems, and these drives, only one person is in the car. built. traffic signs. Of all EU members, Slovenians spent the most money on mobility. Owning a car is a costly undertaking. In 2021, Slovenian Remote collaboration households used 17% of their household and home office can income for personal mobility, of which 10% On average, a reduce the need for daily went for the operation of vehicles and 6% vehicle is parked A bus with 50 commutes or travel to other for purchase (Indicator: PR14). Only slightly 92% of the time. It passengers takes events, resulting in a decline in more than 0.5% went to public transport, spends the rest of the the same road space traffic jams and greenhouse confirming the unbalanced nature of Slovenia’s time being driven (5%), in as three cars with gas emissions. transport system, which is dominated by cars, 12 passengers. while public transport remains underfunded. traffic jams, or in search Furthermore, about 10% of households are of a parking spot. VOD A G N UI IK P D O T E TO SRAJ US N TAO I S N T AN B I P L O E CT ORO NSŠN U J MI: P P TIR O E N HR : M A OBNA ILITY 24 facing mobility poverty because they cannot DIAGRAM 10: The effect of various pollutants on health afford the necessary transportation for their socioeconomic needs. Headache and anxiety (SO2) Effect on the central nervous system Transport has a significant environmental Eye, nose and throat irritation impact, primarily because of the use of oil Breathing difficulties (O3, PM, NO3, SO2, BaP) and raw materials in the production of motor vehicles. While the manufacturing process for Cardiovascular diseases (PM, O3, SO2) motor vehicles requires various metals, plastics, glass, etc., the production process also uses oil Effect on the respiratory system: irritation, and paints. inflammation and infections Asthma and reduced lung function On a global basis, the transportation Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PM) sector is responsible for about a quarter Lung cancer (PM, BaP) of greenhouse gas emissions because most vehicles still use oil products and are an Effect on liver, kidney and blood important factor in climate change. In Slovenia, Effects on the reproductive system Source: Report on the Environment in Slovenia, 2022 33% of overall greenhouse gas emissions health, particularly that of children and the are from transportation. Vehicular traffic elderly. It can also cause premature death also causes other gas emissions and (about 400,000 deaths per year in the EU), particulate matter (PM) (Indicator: PR08). cardiovascular disease, cancer, stress, lung A person who cannot Slovenia is considered one of the more air disease, asthma, headaches, etc. drive for economic, polluted countries in the European Union medical, or other reasons primarily because of occasional elevated Even though vehicles have gradually concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5. become cleaner and quieter, traffic and cannot walk to school, Because of summertime traffic, ground- still causes too much pollution. Cars work, or basic services level ozone and photochemical smog have become more accessible and use depends entirely on public occur in towns. Polluted air is harmful to less fuel, resulting in us driving more transport. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: MOBILITY 25 frequently and farther. Traffic is increasing unable to concentrate. Children tend to be rapidly, diminishing the benefits of the most sensitive to these issues. stricter legislation and more efficient vehicles. Traffic also puts pressure on the Vehicle infrastructure takes up vast environment with various pollutants (oils, surfaces; this changes the appearance of fuels, wastewater, and coolants). These landscapes and contributes to a reduction in liquids often seep from roads directly biodiversity. In urban areas, green surfaces Example of into the environment, surface streams, all too often need to make way for car parks and aquifers. We should not forget waste or parking garages because road surfaces good practice materials (tyres, plastic, and metal parts) and traffic infrastructure take up almost and discarded vehicles. Additional impacts half of urban land surfaces. Car accidents include light pollution and increased noise that result in fatalities or severe injuries are PROSTOFER (a Slovenian levels to which we are exposed day and another negative effect of traffic. abbreviation for “volunteer driver”) night, making us irritable, exhausted, and is a Slovenian sustainability- oriented volunteer project run by the non-profit Golden Network for the Mobility of Seniors. It is intended for anyone who does not drive, has no relatives to drive them, or has a low income and poor public transport connections. Active in almost 100 municipalities, PROSTOFER makes it easier for people to access various services. The municipality typically provides the vehicles, and drivers are usually older, still-active volunteers. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: MOBILITY 26 10 ideas FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL Good news #1 Cover distances shorter than On 1 June 2023, The Ministry for the three kilometres on foot or Environment, Climate and Energy updated by bike. #2 their unified tickets for integrated public Arrange carpools with your transport and introduced new “Slovenia” tickets neighbours to travel to work. that enable access to train rides (in second class) #3 and on regional buses. For pensioners above 65 years of age, war veterans, and the disabled, If buying a new vehicle, consider #4 an electric or hybrid model. such tickets are free for now. They can be used Check if you can drive to the for regional bus and rail transport across the nearest bus stop or railway country, as well as urban public transport in station and continue your Ljubljana, Maribor, Koper, Kranj, Novo Mesto #5 journey by bus or train. Jesenice, Celje and Krško. Arrange carpools with other parents to get to your children’s activities. #6 When you drive into bigger towns, find a map of car parks and potential transfers to public transport lines. #7 Find carpools anywhere in Slovenia at Prevoz.org. #8 Save money and stay safe by driving ecologically (at moderate speed) and with optimum pressure in your tyres. #9 Calculate your carbon #10 footprint in connection In towns, use public transport or bicycle. Even a day trip with the family can to your transport. become a more pleasant experience if you use public transportation. 27 D Appliances Manufacturers frequently compete in developing devices that make our lives even “easier.” Numerous appliances and devices mix, chop, compute, saw, and even exercise for us. When purchasing such devices, we tend to pay attention primarily to the comfort they will provide rather than their environmental impacts and real costs. Most use electricity, while others use water, special liquids, or even fuels. Of course, all these devices hum, rattle, flash, or quietly “sip” electricity. We will do ourselves, our health, our loved ones, and the world a favour if we delay unneeded purchases and check the product’s environmental footprint before making a necessary purchase. VODNIK PO TRAJNOSTNI POTROŠNJI: PREHRANA 28 APPLIANCES From Useful to Wasteful Slovenia leads the EU in terms of the retail space per capita. Clothing irons are among the biggest Almost all Slovenian households have a energy users because refrigerator, washing machine, oven, and the power of their TV set. The number of dryers, dishwashers, and heaters typically microwaves is growing (Indicator: PG15). Just Television sets with exceeds 1,000 watts. over a decade ago, only a handful of households LED technology use 25% had heat pumps. Today, almost 10% have them. less energy than LCD sets The increase in air conditioner ownership is and up to 40% less than The most energy- even faster; they can be found in a third of all plasma TVs. efficient refrigerators households. Almost all households have a mobile can use 80% less phone, while the share of computers is also high. electricity than In addition to these typical devices, the majority ordinary ones. also have many small household appliances. In The manufacture many households, we need more than the ten of a cell phone fingers on our two hands to count them: irons, requires 38 different vacuum cleaners, choppers and mixers, various materials, while the types of electric cookers and pots, water heaters, manufacture of a Whenever we open toasters, coffee machines, and the list goes on. computer requires an oven door, the more than 50. oven loses 20% of its The purchase and use of any appliance results accumulated energy. in environmental consequences, many of which are invisible. All household appliances or devices we use impact the environment in all Even simple changes the life phases, from initial development to can reduce the amount the end of use and transport to the dump. of energy used for heating, KEY washing, dishwashing, Extracting minerals is the first phase in cooking, and lighting by the production of an appliance. In addition FACTS a third. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 29 to the negative environmental impacts, labour when demand rises. Access to these metals is exploitation is also problematic in this phase. increasingly becoming a political question and a Workers are often paid low wages for their trigger of conflict. work, lack appropriate protection, and work in unsuitable work environments. Sometimes, they The manufacturing of appliances and may even be young children. The manufacture of devices has a high environmental cost electronics requires rare earth elements (such as because it requires energy (primarily from gold, silver, palladium, titanium, and cobalt), the fossil fuels), water, chemicals, and various limited supplies of which increase their prices materials, such as metals, glass, plastics, and Example of good practice DIAGRAM 11: Possession of household appliances (Slovenia) Hisense Europe (Hisense and Gorenje 100 brands) received the 2023 silver EcoVadis prize, which recognised 80 the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices. The company already recycles 96% of the 60 waste they create. They are trying to reduce their carbon footprint in all phases of production. This 40 includes reducing energy use during [%] households manufacture, the materials used in the products, and packaging and 20 transport. Over the last five years, they have made significant progress; they have reduced their water use 0 by 38% and electricity use by 24%. 1993 1999 2003 2004 2009 2010 2012 2015 2018 2022 Their household appliances are made from ecologically sound and Colour TV Washing machine Microwave biodegradable materials. They are Video camera Dryer Car now attempting to increase their Radio receiver Refrigerator Bicycle products’ lifespans. Personal computer Dishwasher Mobile telephone Source: ARSO, Environmental Indicators in Slovenia, Sustainable Consumption (PG02-2) A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: APPLIANCES 30 DIAGRAM 12: Material footprint sometimes wood. The production process often of a smartphone requires large quantities of (potable) water and 50% metals is responsible for the release of wastewater copper, iron, aluminum, cobalt, tin, zinc, nickel, lithium, manganese, chromium, silver, into the environment. The use of chemicals barium, titanium, zirconium, palladium, is harmful to the health of people and other 70 kg gold, bismuth, praseodymium, neodymium, organisms. The manufacture of household of material magnesium, antimony, strontium, indium, appliances and devices is also associated with platinum, tantalum, boron, tungsten, europium, terbium, gallium, yttrium... considerable waste, which only responsible (of which 2/3 is from raw material extraction process) manufacturers properly dispose of and reuse. is used to make one 30% plastics and 120-g smartphone. The use of appliances and devices also has synthetic materials a negative effect on the environment. All of them tend to use power; in fact, nearly half of a household’s electricity is used to power 20% glass and ceramics them (Indicator: PG05). Washing machines, Source: Ademe, Francoski senat, Inštitut Wuppertal dishwashers and refrigerators use the most energy, followed by ovens and dryers, TV sets and light fixtures. The use of electronic devices produces alternative. In some areas, repair shops are Appliances use energy even when they are “electrosmog,” which is a health hazard, available to help consumers fix and thereby turned off and are in standby mode. The particularly to children. It can result in poor extend the lifespan of their devices. most telling example is our TV, which is usually concentration, nervousness, sleep difficulties, turned off with a remote and not the main etc. It is recommended that we protect Reading labels in a store has many switch. Therefore, it stays in standby mode and ourselves from such radiation. advantages. Using electric devices with the uses electricity. Mobile phone chargers left in highest energy efficiency rating helps to the socket after we have finished charging our Because of the extended producer conserve electricity. Energy labels feature phones also continue to use electric power. responsibility policy, producers are categories that classify devices from those that required to take care of old appliances and use the least power to those that use the most. ensure their proper handling. This step Even though energy-efficient products in the prevents the inappropriate disposal of devices highest category are more expensive, we get a and appliances, reduces the concentration of return on money spent because of lower social, hazardous substances in the environment, and environmental, and running costs. Be aware even saves resources. The best solution for a that we waste more energy if we purchase functioning device is to give it as a gift or sell inefficient devices, buy more of them, or use it. Repair shops are an increasingly common them more frequently. There are practically no chores left in our households for which we do not use an appliance or device. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: APPLIANCES 31 10 ideas FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE USE OF APPLIANCES Good news #1 When purchasing appliances, pay The BELT online app, developed by the particular attention to information Consumers’ Association of Slovenia, about their energy and water use #2 allows users to calculate the estimated costs and their noise levels. Cover pots with a lid when cooking to use a third less energy than you would otherwise. for electricity usage during an appliance’s lifetime. The formula is simple: based on #3 household size and the appliance’s energy- Take your small appliances to a #4 efficiency category, the app shows data about reuse or collection centre when Completely turn off devices when you the appliance’s energy use and the associated you no longer need them. do not need them. Get a power strip for costs, information about its CO2 emissions, multiple devices to enable you to turn off the number of trees needed to offset this more at one time. amount, and the equivalent car mileage. #5 This app enables users to compare Take advantage of your oven’s various energy categories residual heat and turn it off 10 #6 for appliances. minutes before the dish is done. You can dry your washed laundry outside. #7 #8 We should choose the size When washing laundry, use shorter washing machine of our stovetop based on the programs and, when possible, lower temperatures. diameter of our pots. Economy programs reduce energy use by up to 40%. #9 #10 Do not leave your refrigerator In a multi-residential building, jointly purchase energy-efficient washers and dryers for joint use door open, and do not put hot by all residents. This step can limit expenses and free up room in your apartment. food in the fridge. 32 E Goods If we look around our home, we will quickly note that it is well-stocked with products of various kinds, from cleaners and cosmetics, shoes, and clothing to all sorts of household textiles, furniture, kitchen and bathroom equipment, as well as paper products. Whenever we buy a product, our contribution to environmental problems increases. We are not helping to fight climate change, water and air pollution, the overuse of resources, the thinning of the ozone layer, the spread of toxic substances, etc. Avoiding unnecessary purchases is, therefore, the best step toward more sustainable consumer practices. VODNIK PO TRAJNOSTNI POTROŠNJI: PREHRANA 33 GOODS My Home Could Be a Department Store The number of different things we have in our homes is truly staggering. We probably couldn't On the Viscose, also even begin to list them all. Out of all these items, Consumers’ known as rayon, is textiles and plastic products stand out in terms Association of Slovenia made from cellulose of quantity and furniture because of size. website, you can find fibres, but chemicals The FSC (Forest updated information about are used to process Stewardship Council) various product recalls because TEXTILES them. label serves as proof of of technical noncompliance sustainable forestry and The textile industry accounts for 10% of the or excessive amounts of improved living conditions for world’s carbon emissions. That is more than chemicals and other the local population. Wood international flights and shipping combined. substances. from around the world The production of textiles is responsible for carries the FSC logo. Under the Waste about 20% of the world’s water pollution, mainly Directive, EU because of its use of dyes. The manufacture of countries will have to clothing and shoes has expanded dramatically separate and collect because of the spread of fast fashion, which The most known labels for waste textile products reduced the average time a particular piece of environmental products in from 2025. clothing is used. On the European level, textile the EU are the EU Ecolabel, the manufacturing is in fourth place on the list German Blue Angel, and the Nordic of polluters, immediately after food, housing, Swan. These labels are featured on and mobility. Fashion designers and clothing thousands of everyday products, manufacturers will need to begin designing and including soaps, detergents, clothing, producing clothing in a way that ensures paints, varnishes, paper goods, the materials used are friendly to the About 2,700 environment and people. Textiles will need KEY furniture, and even hotels, litres of water are camps and cleaning services. to last as long as possible while enabling needed to produce remanufacturing and reuse. The textile FACTS a single cotton industry mainly refers to the manufacture T-shirt. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 34 of clothing but also includes the manufacture collected for reuse, recycling, or upcycling. In There are several ways to reduce the impact of carpets, curtains, shoes, etc. 2019, Slovenians discarded 25,079 metric tonnes of the modern furniture industry on the of clothing or 12.3 kilos per inhabitant. This environment. One of the most efficient ways is Large amounts of energy, water, farmland, amount is more than the EU average, which was to choose furniture made from environmentally and pesticides are required to make raw 11 kilos per inhabitant. friendly materials, such as sustainable wood, materials, such as cotton, used in the textile industry. About 60% of materials in clothing alone are synthetic (derived from oil), which FURNITURE includes polyester, acrylics, and nylon. We can use them to manufacture durable, light, and To produce contemporary furniture, we need affordable fabrics. But herein lies the catch: many natural resources, including trees, whenever we wash them, they release tiny plastic minerals, and oil. The most apparent impact fibres known as microfibres, which are small of the furniture industry on the environment particles no more than five millimetres long. occurs during the production phase, when Example of Washing synthetic fabrics accounts for 35% of greenhouse gases are released, causing climate microplastics released in the world. A single change. The production process also uses metals, good practice washing of polyester clothing removes 700,000 glass, and plastics. The use of chemicals (such as Kimi, Paloma, Jub, and TKI Hrastnik fibres of microplastics, which end up in rivers formaldehyde, VOCs, and paints) and synthetic are Slovenian companies that have been and oceans and, consequently, our food chain. materials impact the environment. They cause awarded the European Ecolabel for more the emission of toxic materials during product than 50 of their products. This label The manufacture of clothing also has manufacturing, use, and disposal. Furniture indicates that in all life phases of the adverse health effects (because of chemicals creates many types of waste, which could release products, high environmental standards used for dyes) on the local population, animals, greenhouse gases and harmful chemicals. The have been met, and possible environmental and ecosystems (because of toxic emissions impact is even more significant if the furniture impacts have been considered, reduced, into water, soil, and air). Clothing factories in contains plastics because it takes hundreds of or eliminated. These products include developing countries cause numerous social years to decay. The burning of such materials paints, detergents, cleaners, cosmetics, problems, including children in the workforce causes additional pollution and harm. and paper goods. Among those who have and poorly paid employees. Most of our clothing earned this label are also 40 Slovenian is imported from these countries. Fair Trade Transportation significantly adds to the accommodation providers. allows employees in this industry to receive fair harmful footprint of furniture in our homes. pay for their work when possible. Raw materials need to be brought to production facilities. Products are then shipped to shops, When we are done with our clothes, they are from where they are sent to us, the final users. mostly burned or deposited in landfills and This transport increases greenhouse gas nature. Only a small percentage of clothing is emissions, causes more particulates in the air, etc. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: GOODS 35 Plastic bottles for soft drinks bamboo, or recycled materials. These CHEMICALS and water are made from various materials are renewable, biodegradable and plastic materials, frequently for have a smaller environmental impact. We It is difficult to notice the negative single use, because they begin can also opt for locally made furniture. Doing consequences of many chemicals to release harmful chemicals if so reduces greenhouse gas emissions and on our health because their effect is used again. They are made of oil. makes it more likely for the raw materials to insidious and long-lasting, especially The appropriate recycling of plastic bottles be locally stored and, therefore, less likely among children. Exposure to chemicals reduces their impact on the environment. to cause resource depletion. We can choose in indoor spaces can have numerous However, many are still incinerated or environmentally friendly furniture that negative consequences for our health, end up in landfills. It takes hundreds of can be disassembled, repaired, recycled from lung disease, irritated eyes, nose years for plastics to degrade, and most of it or upcycled. and throat issues to hormone disorders, disintegrates into microparticles. DIAGRAM 13: The unknown territory RISKS = hazard × exposure of chemical risk ~ 500 cardiovascular disease, allergies, and cancer. chemicals In short, chemicals are hazardous to our On the market Extensively characterised for ~ 100,000 health. In addition, they make their way chemicals their hazards and exposures from our homes into water, soil, and air. Use over ~ 10,000 chemicals Each chemical has a different effect on us, 1 tonne per year fairly well characterised our loved ones, and the environment. ~ 22,600 for a subset of their chemicals hazards and exposures Only a closer examination will let you know how many chemicals you keep at home. Some products are labelled as Use over 100 tonnes hazardous, but you will find out their real per year prioritised in effects only by using explanations available hazard characterisation ~ 20,000 chemicals with online. These include benzyl benzoate (in and evaluation limited characterisation for lice remedy and gary control agent, in food ~ 4,700 chemicals their hazards and exposures and perfumes, plastics and fragrances), bisphenol-A, polycarbonate (in hard plastics, baby bottles, coatings in metal cans and plastic greenhouses), formaldehyde (in ~ 70,000 chemicals Source: The European pesticides, construction materials, textiles, environment – state with poor characterisation for cosmetics, padded furniture, mattresses, and outlook 2020, EEA their hazards and exposures A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: GOODS 36 mattress toppers, and blankets), parabens PLASTICS for single-use purposes – useful for a few minutes (in toothpaste, shampoos, humidifiers and harmful for decades. Around the world, one and aftershave lotions), phthalates (in toys Plastics are beneficial, but they also harm us. million plastic bottles are bought every minute, and cosmetics), perfluorinated chemicals Plastic is everywhere around us, and even inside while up to five trillion plastic bags are used every (in paints, floor coverings, carpets, hiking us and other living things. In the first decade year. Within three decades, there will be more clothing and furniture), volatile organic of this millennium, we generated more plastic plastic in the sea than fish. Thousands of marine compounds known as VOCs (in cosmetics, waste than in the previous 40 years. Today, we animals and birds are dying from it. Plastic is even personal care products, cleaners, furniture, generate around 400 million tonnes of plastic becoming a marker of our current geological age. bed linens, floor coverings and paints), waste every year, and this figure is growing all The only solution is to reduce consumption, use brominated flame retardants (in carpets the time. As many as half of plastic products are only recyclable plastics, and look for alternatives. and electronics), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS (in fire extinguisher foam, anti-stick metal coatings on pans, paper packaging for food products, DIAGRAM 14: The use of plastics by area and the treatment of waste plastics (EU) creams and cosmetics, fabrics for furniture and some clothing, paints, photos, pesticides 39.9% and pharmaceuticals), etc. Packaging 19.8% The REACH Directive regulates the use Building and 24.9% construction Landfilled of chemicals in the EU. This directive defines the maximum permissible amounts of chemicals and prohibits using substances 16.7% proven harmful to people, animals, or the Other environment. There are many studies about (appliances, the effect of chemicals on our health and mechanical the environment. Yet, it can take decades for engineering, furniture, 9.9% 32.5% the danger of these chemicals to be either medical etc.) Automotive Recycled confirmed or negated. Even if the substances are proven to be hazardous, the legislative procedures to restrict or prohibit specific chemicals are lengthy and often conclude 4.1% 6.2% with merely partial restrictions. An additional Household, Electrical problem is that manufacturers do not always leisure and 3.4% and electronic fully comply with these restrictions. That is sports Agriculture equipment why we hear news of product recalls. 42.6% Energy recovery Source: Plastic waste and recycling in EU: facts and figures, European Parliament A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: GOODS 37 10 ideas FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE HOME #1 Choose used furniture Good news instead of new. You can also repair your old furniture or #2 use it for something else. Buy less but choose higher quality Slovenia’s Planet Care startup has products. Buy a product only if there developed a special filter for washing is no other option. machines. It captures up to 90% of #3 microplastics eliminated during the washing of synthetics. Microplastics Give away furniture you do not can be found everywhere on Earth: need, take it to a reuse centre or #4 in soil, air, rivers, oceans, plants, donate it. Pick clothing made of natural materials (such as organic cotton, and animals. They are increasingly hemp, bamboo, or eucalyptus) grown common in human bodies, where without the use of pesticides. they can cause changes to genes, #5 brain development, and fertility. Attend swap meets for clothing. #6 Repair or give away your clothes; you can take #7 them to a reuse centre or a shop. If donating or repairing your clothing is no longer possible, check whether it can be #8 recycled. Choose carpets from natural materials (such as wool, jute, or sisal) and mattresses made of cotton, sheep’s wool, coconut, or natural latex. #9 Opt for ecological cleaners #10 and cosmetics. The selection Look for shops where you can refill products (such as cleaners, is now quite wide. shampoo, or detergent), thereby eliminating the need for packaging. 38 AN OVERVIEW The Impacts of Modern Consumption The Sustainable Consumption Guide looks at the most important consumer areas and explains how different life phases of a product impact the environment, health, and society. Of course, the effects of different products in individual phases are of varying strength. We have a decisive say on their environmental impact. We determine what we buy and why, how we treat purchased items, and what we do when their life cycle ends. CAUSES The extraction of raw materials, the processing of raw materials, the use of materials, production processes, of environmental, distribution, the use of chemicals, energy use, water use, waste production, land use (housing–scattered social, and health settlement patterns and construction on farmland; mobility–infrastructure networks), construction and consequences renovation of buildings, intensive growing of plants and livestock, the choice of groceries, lifestyles CONSEQUENCES The use of natural resources, the use of electricity and water, the pollution of soil, water, and air, climate of non-sustainable change, health impacts, social problems, improper waste treatment, biodiversity loss, the degradation production and consumption, of ecosystems, the loss of farmland (food, mobility, housing), light pollution (mobility, housing), noise as well as the use of (mobility), the loss of fertile soil (farming), lower quality of food, unsuitable food (farming), animal and plant diseases (farming), car accidents (mobility), the depletion of rare earths (appliances), photochemical non-sustainable products smog (appliances), the presence of chemicals (farming, housing, household appliances), genetic and services engineering and inappropriate treatment of animals (farming) The preservation of natural resources and ecosystems, local/new employment, better connections with ADVANTAGES people and communities, limited environmental impact from waste, pollutants and chemicals, fewer air of sustainable emissions (in part because of shorter transportation routes), more limited environmental impacts because practices of products with longer life cycles, the shared use of products or repair opportunities, greater use of renewables, efficient use of energy, sustainable mobility, sustainable and healthier lifestyles, etc. A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 39 GOLDEN INFORMATION Wise Consumption OFFICIAL INFORMATION TOOLS TO CALCULATE ADDITIONAL USEFUL EXPLANATION GOOD PRACTICE GOOD IDEAS AND DATA FOOTPRINTS AND SAVINGS READING OF TERMINOLOGY IN SLOVENIA FOR ACTION ARSO environmental indicators Consumer footprint, EPLCA Climate change A glossary of life cycle Innovative construction Home detox guide ARSO infographics Consumption footprint, EPLCA Ecosystems services terminology Donar An ethical lifestyle Eionet video content Carbon footprint, Umanotera The circular economy Life cycle Korenika Effects of plant and animal food Report on the environment in Use less Sustainable development Additive: E951 Aspartame, CAS Knof Rare earth elements for Slovenia, 2022 On the road in green gear REUS research Do you know what you eat? Less is more, EWB smartphones and computers We won’t throw it away! Estimated household The Ellen MacArthur Foundation Sustainable construction Clothes make the man Protecting the planet starts Living healthily in a chemical electricity use with you The wellbeing economy Environmental terms School eco gardens, ISD world, EEA Advice for the economic use of How does my choice of food Closing the loop Environmental glossary, SVORS Fair trade Buildings and construction, EEA energy and water, Eco Fund affect the environment? Natural solutions Biomonitoring Examples of a circular CARE4CLIMATE project EPREL The food system is broken. Zero waste Sustainable development economy, LUM Here’s how to fix it. Prehrana.si BELT Web tool goals, UN The sustainable use of water Climate menu Earth Day Nutrition, NIPH Environmental and ecological in farming, EU Additives Hay feed Sustainable mobility Slovenia’s ecological footprint footprint Hydrogen Ecolabel Anselma Green building Decarbonising Slovenia Savings in driving The environment, traffic Unified tickets Lumar Environmental impacts The EU Parliament on Household electricity use and health Target in doubt, FAO Villa Natura of buildings sustainable consumption Phantom energy use Hemp Small farmers, FAO Zero Waste Slovenia Debunking 13 myths around Level(s), EC ZEOS – Waste Management Facts and figures, UN DPSIR framework Smetumet sustainable construction Energy labels and eco-design, EC 7 Rs ZEOS Ecolabel index Energy savings, EC Smartphones Deposit system, Ekokrog Negative impacts of household Green business practices, EC Plastics, EEA appliances Evegreen Enabling green lifestyles: Plastics: facts and figures, EP Which appliances use guidelines for decision- Aquafil Slovenia more electricity? makers, UN Sustainable and circular Dobrina co-op consumption, EEA Save soil IPPC 2023 Green Apple Consumption pressures, EEA Recalls, CAS Food and climate change, UN Eco cleaning materials Ten worst foods for our planet Environmental debt, Fokus What is sustainable Natural cosmetics The environmental impact consumption, UNEP Environmental impacts of food production Sustainable fashion of plastic bottles, CAS Our planet is choking Panorganic Sustainable farming, WWF on plastic, UNEP Farmbrite Land use – globally Energy cooperative More about plastic Green Hrastnik A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION 40