Jena plastic-free

Successful climate and environmental protection only works if many people join in. Informing, educating and demonstrating alternatives are therefore integral parts of the city's move towards climate neutrality by 2035, as the production of a plastic bag alone generates 120 grams of CO2. The city of Jena is now making a start with a new "Jena plastic-free " website: http://jena.de/plastikfrei

"Of course, the title "Jena plastic-free" is an exaggeration, because everyday life without plastic is almost impossible. The main aim of the website is to attract attention, raise awareness of the plastic problem and point out simple alternatives, including local ones," says Kevin Muschalle-Momberg, Climate Protection Coordinator for the city of Jena.

Plastic waste is a problem - also for the city of Jena

More and more products are being made from plastic. More than 40% of all plastics are only used once. This leads to a global plastic waste problem.

In Jena, 34 kg of lightweight packaging was used per inhabitant in 2020. A total of 3,721 tons were collected by Kommunalservice Jena. To make this clearer: This would mean that the entire market square would be "littered" and the Hanfried would no longer be visible at all.

It is true that the amount of lightweight packaging produced in Jena has been on a downward trend since 2018 and, compared to the German average of 38 kg per capita, Jena is doing well. Nevertheless, the amount of lightweight packaging can be reduced even further by the simplest of means.

Information campaign shows alternatives

The city of Jena is drawing attention to the plastic problem with an information campaign entitled "Jena plastic-free". The campaign kicks off with a website that shows, among other things, the amount of waste produced locally, but above all ways in which plastic can be easily dispensed with. The "10 tips and tricks for everyday life" listed are to be understood as immediate measures and can theoretically be implemented by anyone and everyone.

The "Jena plastic-free" information campaign will be carried out on the basis of the city council resolution "Jena's markets and festivals plastic-free - support for reusable systems and degradable materials". In addition, further campaigns and awareness-raising measures are to follow together with other cities as part of a planned Thuringia-wide reusable campaign.