Thessaloniki gets ready for its metro launch in November
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
The regulation came into force at the start of 2023
Since 1 January, the German catering industry has been hit by new regulations mandating food businesses to introduce a reusable packaging option. The law was adopted back in May 2021 and set to take effect in 2023, giving companies the chance to prepare for the shift.
Despite the new restrictions on takeaway services, there are many who are exempt from having to provide reusable packaging, like smaller shops with few employees or pizza boxes.
Furthermore, consumer protection organisations have said that the regulation would put the onus on the consumer, as they will be able to choose to use reusable packaging or bring their own if they want to avoid waste. Nevertheless, it is still a timid step forward towards reducing waste, a trend reversal for packaging, according to a statement by Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke.
According to a statement by the German Environment Ministry, every catering business offering food or drinks to go now must provide reusable containers for customers. This includes cups for every size of beverage the venue offers.
Moreover, the law also says that companies cannot put price deterrents for reusable containers. This means that they cannot charge extra. Instead, they can charge a deposit for the container, but they do not have to. The deposit, meanwhile, should be returned in full if the container is returned by the customer.
This applies to every food-selling venue that has either 80 square metres of space or more than five employees. In this way, the little chain bakeries at train stations, for example, would still need to offer reusable containers.
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke was quoted in a press statement, explaining that the waste produced by the take-out industry is a growing concern for Germany. At the same time, she added that Germany could still do more for the packaging turnaround.
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass
Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape
The examples, compiled by Beyond Fossil Fuels, can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition
Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin
The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU, national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality.
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays
At least, that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo
Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region
Despite its church-y name, the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself
An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö
A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital