Communication strategy

Quiz: Plastik in der Umwelt - Was wissen Sie?

Mandy — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:21:04 +0000

Quiz: Plastic in the Environment – What do you know? Mandy Thu, 01/14/2021 - 12:21

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Beschreibung

When I wash a polyester fleece jacket, can microplastics get into the water? How many climate-damaging greenhouse gases are released annually due to the global production of plastics and what is chemical recycling?

Plastics are all around us and make up an essential part of our daily lives. How much do we know about this material, its variety, the associated environmental problems and possible solutions? The quiz "Plastics in the environment - What do you know?" invites you to test your knowledge around the topic of plastics in five categories. Furthermore, the category "Questions for adults & children" contains questions suited for children.

The quiz was developed within this research focus. The quiz is available on this website and is suitable for all common browsers on computers and mobile devices.

Further Links

Link zum Quiz

Year

2020

Author

Mandy Hinzmann (Content)

Janna Vakili (Content)

Lena Aebli (Design)

Prasanna Ramesh (Programming)

Authors

Type of Result

educational material

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Publikationstyp

Ergebnis

3rd International European Citizen Science Association Conference (Online Event)

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 11:54:58 +0000

3rd International European Citizen Science Association Conference (Online Event) janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 12:54

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Beschreibung

For generations, Trieste has been a city of scientific interaction. Today is known as a "City of Science", being home to more than 30 national and international research centres.
The ECSA conference 2020 will therefore focus on junctures in science: between scientists and citizens; between East and West; between North and South; and between the different fields of science.

This event is held as an online event due to Covid-19. More information can be found on the event's website.

Location

Online

Organiser

SISSA Medialab

European Citizen Science Association (ECSA)

University of Triest

Date

06 - 10 September 2020

06. - 10. September 2020

Further Links

Website of the event

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Tags

Communication strategy

Participation

Social sciences

Date sort

Sun, 09/06/2020 - 12:00

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Darmstädter Tage der Transformation 2020

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:39:56 +0000

Darmstadt Days of Transformation 2020 janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 11:39

Beschreibung

In October 2020, the Schader Foundation organizes the 2nd Darmstadt Days of Transformation. During the three days, events will be held in various formats on the topic of transformation.

Important key questions for the Days of Transformation are:

How can transformation processes be initiated?
What inputs must there be from science?
What kind of knowledge is needed to initiate social change processes?
How must we communicate?
How must inter- and transdisciplinary research be structured in order to implement change processes in concrete terms and which stumbling blocks need to be considered?

Applications are invited for conferences, meetings or evening events that fit thematically into this framework. These can be either closed or public events. Further information on how to apply can be found on the event's website.

Location

Darmstadt

Organiser

Schader-Stiftung

Date

05 - 07 October 2020

05. - 07. Oktober 2020

Further Links

Website of the event (in German)

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Communication strategy

Date sort

Mon, 10/05/2020 - 12:00

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tF Symposium 2020 – Wege transformativer Forschung: Zielorientierung und Indikatoren

janna.vakili@ecologic.eu — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 10:09:49 +0000

tF Symposium 2020 – Ways of Transformative Research: Goal Orientation and Indicators janna.vakili@e… Fri, 11/08/2019 - 11:09

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Beschreibung

Transformative research (tF) aims to promote change processes in the direction of sustainable development. Together with actors from business, politics and society, tF seeks possible solutions to concrete societal problems. Together with the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, the Schader Foundation invites scientists, practitioners from industry, non-governmental organisations and other parts of civil society, as well as politicians and representatives of public authorities, to contribute their project experience to this discussion (in German).

The organisers are looking for contributions on the following question: "How do transformative research and transfer projects succeed in formulating the respective goals of sustainable development, in keeping them in view on an ongoing basis, and in backing them up with indicators?

Registration is possible via the event's website. The deadline for submission of abstracts is 01 December 2019.

Location

Darmstadt, Germany

Organiser

Schader-Foundation

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Date

07 October 2020

Further Links

Website of the event (in German)

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Participation

Communication strategy

Optimization process

Governance

Date sort

Wed, 10/07/2020 - 12:00

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Innoredux

Stephan.Guertler — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 10:30:10 +0000

Innoredux Stephan.Guertler Fri, 02/15/2019 - 11:30

Business Models for Reducing Plastic Waste along the Value Chain: Paths to Innovative Trends in Retailing

The idea and goal of Innoredux was to develop and implement innovative packaging solutions in distance and stationary retailing using a living lab research approach in order to avoid or reduce plastic waste along the value chain.

The subject of investigation and the focus of research were innovations in trade for waste prevention and reduction within the framework of business models and the underlying value chains. The potential of their expansion from niches into the mainstream was investigated. The project focussed on reduction measures through a more efficient use of materials, substitution (alternative ecologically compatible materials) and through influencing consumers' decision-making behaviour in purchasing. Such innovative reduction measures can contribute significantly to the reduction of plastic discharges into the environment and at the same time generate competitive advantages.

In a living lab in the city of Heidelberg, business models were tested and implemented in cooperation with a number of partners from the retail sector and civil society. On the basis of the results of the living lab, guidelines for municipalities and companies were developed. The project focused on four product groups: food, cosmetics, office supplies and textiles.

Main areas of work

Analysis of interdependencies and decision-making processes along the value chain (production - trade - consumption)
Development of innovative business models to avoid packaging
Testing of innovative approaches for low-plastic packaging in a living lab in Heidelberg
Balancing the ecological, economic and social impacts of the business models identified as innovative
Development and dissemination of guidelines for companies and municipalities

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Developing a typology of plastic waste prevention business models through innovative packaging solutions

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, dm, Memo, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

In a first step, existing business models that contribute to the reduction of packaging (especially plastic packaging) along the value chain were examined and categorised. The project partners analysed existing innovative, instructive and plastic-reducing solutions with a strong leverage effect and estimated the reduction potential via quantity balances (waste types, waste quantities, etc.).

WP 2 Balancing, identification of best practices and success factors

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package analysed the ecological, social and economic impacts of business model innovations and identifies their success factors. To this end, key data and model examples were collected as preparatory work for the company checklists and the handbook for a municipal concept for comprehensive plastic prevention and reduction (so-called "conceptual handbook for municipalities"; WP 4). The potential impact of municipal support was assessed.

WP 3 Design of options for action and testing in a living lab

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

This work package included the implementation of a living lab with retail companies, the City of Heidelberg, BUND and consumers. Here, a strategy to reduce plastic waste, consisting of suggestions to improve business models and support from municipalities, was developed and tested.
Case studies: A living lab was conducted, i. e. a geographically and temporally defined testing area was created in which knowledge was exchanged, strategic partnerships were generated and solutions were tested. Together with the associated partners, the objectives and intention of the intervention/experiments and questions were defined (co-design) before options for action were developed and adapted and tested in a strategy for the local context of Heidelberg. The effects of the living lab were evaluated during the process.

WP 4 Strategy development and development of company checklists and conceptual guidelines for municipalities

Contact person

Dr. Pauline Riousset, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Potsdamerstraße 105, 10785 Berlin
e-mail: pauline.riousset@ioew.de

Project partners

ifeu, Alnatura, Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg, Avocado Store, BUND, BUND Heidelberg, dm, Memo, City of Heidelberg, Unverpackt e. V., Zalando

Short description

The living lab results from WP 3 were transferred into the context of the considered product groups and the existing strategies are revised. The research results were used to develop company checklists and a conceptual handbook for municipalities and the dissemination phase were prepared (cf. WP 5).

WP 5 Dissemination of results

Contact person

Dr. Frieder Rubik, Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW), Bergstraße 7, 69120 Heidelberg
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Project partner

ifeu

Short description

The transdisciplinary research approach required a reciprocal, project-accompanying transfer of knowledge and results. Therefore, an integrative work package was planned that encompasses all project work and affects all actors. In this work package, the focus was on describing the communication measures on the basis of the analysis of target groups and goals. The communication measures were based on the pillars "Information" - "Best Practice" - "Training" - "Imitation".

Coordinator

Dr. Frieder Rubik
Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW)
Bergstraße 7
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221-64916-6
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de

Website

www.plastik-reduzieren.de

Partner Institutions

ifeu – Institute for Energy and Environmental Research Heidelberg

Associated Partners

Alnatura GmbH

Annas Unverpacktes Heidelberg

Avocado Store GmbH

Friends of the Earth Germany / BUND

Friends of the Earth Baden-Württemberg, Group in the District of Heidelberg / BUND Heidelberg

dm-drogerie markt GmbH & Co. KG / dm

Duration Period

February 2019

January 2022

Project sheet

Project-sheet-Innoredux-2019.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

PLAWES

KALEH — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 09:29:04 +0000

PLAWES KALEH Wed, 12/20/2017 - 10:29

Microplastic Contamination in the Weser- Wadden Sea – National Park Model System: an Ecosystem-Wide Approach

In PLAWES, the modelling system of the German national park Weser-Wadden Sea was the first large European river basin that was investigated in detail regarding its microplastic pollution. PLAWES conducted a pioneering study of the microplastic contamination from the headwaters to the North Sea (northern Atlantic Ocean) that comprised an interdisciplinary and integrated ecosystem approach and accounted for various point sources (wastewater treatment plants, separation systems) and diffuse sources (drainage, atmosphere) of pollution. The results were integrated into a model for identifying primary transport mechanisms and accumulation zones. The research investigated the effects of microplastics on ecosystems in the Weser-Wadden Sea system by analysing the interaction of microplastic with pathogens in biofilm and aquatic invertebrates. Outcomes of this particularly ecologically relevant aspects were used to estimate the environmental risk of microplastics for the model system, and subsequently made it transferable to other systems. In addition, the results of the analysis became part of new teaching materials in order to provide a knowledge platform for teachers, students, and parents across Europe. PLAWES generated unique data about the effects of microplastics on a large European river basin and its environment. This is significant not only for policymakers and stakeholders but also as a fundament for science-based solutions to address the microplastics problem.

Main areas of work

Microplastics in the Weser-Wadden Sea
Model-based balancing of diffuse and point sources of microplastic entries
Interaction of microplastics with pathogens and biota
Training measures to raise awareness of plastic waste

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 0 Management, communication and dissemination

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, e-mail: christian.laforsch@uni-bayreuth.de

Project partner
AWI

Short description
WP 0 ensured the targeted and efficient support of the consortium with regard to project management, communication and dissemination. WP 0 coordinated both the public relations work and the exploitation of the results achieved. WP 0 continued to coordinate the cooperation of all project partners and was therefore in close contact with all project partners. WP 0 coordinated the harmonisation with the joint research project MicroCatch_Balt with regard to sampling and processing, modelling, public relations, and data storage as well as communication with the other projects.

WP 1 Microplastics in the Weser-Wadden Sea model system

Contact person
Dr. Gunnar Gerdts, Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Kurpromenade, 27498 Helgoland, e-mail: gunnar.gerdts@awi.de

Project partner
UBT, UOld

Short description
The aim of WP 1 was to investigate the entire Weser river system into coastal waters with regard to microplastic pollution. The final determination of the exact sampling points was carried out taking into account the real data required for RAUMISmGROWA- MePhos and "Tidal Model" (WP 3). The entire Weser including the Lower Weser and the Wadden Sea was investigated with regard to exposure to microplastic. Two campaigns were carried out at different seasons with different water conditions on the Weser.

WP 2 Entry points – point sources and diffuse entry

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Andreas Held, University of Bayreuth, BayCEER; second affiliation: Technical University of Berlin, Department of Environmental Chemistry and Air Pollution Control, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, e-mail: held@tu-berlin.de

Project partner
AWI

Short description
The aim of WP 2 was an exemplary consideration of the input paths for microplastics by investigation of important point sources such as wastewater treatment plants and separation water sewer systems as well as the diffuse input from drains and atmosphere. For this purpose, selected sampling points in the Weser river basin were characterised taking into account different landscape areas and land use types. The focus lay on quantifying the entry points of microplastics. Sampling was synchronised with the campaigns at the Weser.

WP 3 Model-based accounting of diffuse and point-shaped MP entries

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Frank Wendland, Jülich Research Centre IBG-3, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, e-mail: f.wendland@fz-juelich.de

Project partner
TI, NLWKN

Short description
The aim was a spatially resolved quantification of the microplastic emissions from diffuse and point sources and the identification of spatial load centres and accumulation zones within the river basin and estuary. The microplastic entries were modelled from different types of diffuse entry points and point sources. The work was based on the models mGROWA, MEPhos, RAUMIS, as well as a transport modelling considering the estuarine hydro- and sediment dynamics. Within the framework of the project, the model chain was improved in a targeted manner according to microplastic entry modelling in the inland and the further distribution of the microplastics in the lower reaches, estuary and apron.

WP 4 Interaction of microplastic with pathogens and biota

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Jörg Oehlmann, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, e-mail: oehlmann@bio.uni-frankfurt.de

Project partner
AWI, UBT, UOld

Short description
In WP 4, the ecosystem effects of microplastic on the Weser-Wadden Sea model system were described on the basis of the two ecologically relevant aspects "Interaction with pathogens and antimicrobial resistance" and "Interaction with aquatic invertebrates".

Interaction with pathogens and antimicrobial resistance: Since biofilms are sites of increased genetic exchange and increased antimicrobial resistance occurs below wastewater treatment plants, plastics could not only contribute to the dispersion of pathogenic organisms, but also of resistance genes. The consequences of such a transfer were previously unknown. AWI therefore used molecular microbial source tracking techniques (DNA/RNA arrays for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, protozoa and virulence/resistance genes) to investigate plastic samples from the Weser region. Interaction with aquatic invertebrates: In order to generate exposure data, different mollusk species were applied in situ in the Weser, the tidal area and the Wadden Sea. Absorbed microplastic was examined in the digestive tract and in tissue samples and confirmed in parallel by pyrolysis-GC-MS and spectroscopic methods. Historical mussel samples (since 1986) from the Federal Environmental Specimen Bank (UBA) were examined using pyrolysis-GC-MS. The chronic toxicity of microplastic is characterised in laboratory experiments with mussels and worms. Different polymers were conditioned in situ and toxicologically characterised in chronic exposure experiments.

WP 5 Training measures to raise awareness of plastic waste

Contact person
Prof. Dr. Franz X. Bogner, University of Bayreuth, Didactics of Biology, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, e-mail: franz.bogner@uni-bayreuth.de

Project partner
AWI, UOld

Short description
In addition to the ethical assessment skills of students, WP 5 incorporated existing individual environmental knowledge. Innovative teaching materials with a sound reference to everyday life were evaluated for a holistic understanding regarding the burden of plastics in the model system and disseminated via an Internet teaching/learning portal. Within the work package, UBT provided a handbook for teachers and "public relations workers".

Coordinator

Prof. Dr. Christian Laforsch
University of Bayreuth
Chair of Animal Ecology I / UBT
Universitätsstraße 30
95447 Bayreuth
Phone: +49 921 / 55-2651
e-mail: christian.laforsch@uni-bayreuth.de

Dr. Gunnar Gerdts
Alfred Wegener Institute
Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
Kurpromenade
27498 Helgoland
Phone: +49 4725 / 819-3245
e-mail: gunnar.gerdts@awi.de

Website

http://www.bayceer.uni-bayreuth.de/PLAWES/en/

Partner Institutions

Coast Research Centre at the Lower Saxony State Enterprise for Water Management, Coastal Protection and Nature Conservation / NLWKN

Jülich Research Centre / FZJ

Goethe University Frankfurt / GU

Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute - Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries / TI-LR

Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Institute of Chemistry and Biology of the Sea / UOld

Duration Period

September 2017

April 2021

Tags

Sewage

Methodology of analyses

Information and teaching materials

Infrared

Infraref spectroscopy

Sewage treatment plant

Sewage sludge

Municipality

Communication strategy

Combined sewar overflows

Prevention of plastics

Polyamide (PA)

Polyester

Polyethylene (PE)

High density polyethylene PE-HD

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

sampling

Sample purification

Pyrolysis GC

Raman microspectroscopy

Environmental sustainability

Scanning electron microscopy

Plasticiser

Project sheet

18_Projektblatt_PLAWES_ENG_2018.pdf

Koordinator label

Coordinator

PlastikBudget

KALEH — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 14:22:16 +0000

PlastikBudget KALEH Tue, 12/19/2017 - 15:22

Development of Budget Approach and LCA Impact Assessment Methodology for the Governance of Plastics in the Environment

In order to legitimise political decisions on the problem of plastic emissions into the environment, it is necessary to formulate a quantitative emission target. The budget approach for plastic emissions was developed within the framework of this project. The research work was guided by the following questions: What amount of plastics in the environment is still acceptable? How long are plastics present in the environment until they are completely degraded? How can a global budget derived from answering these two questions be equitably shared by national per capita budgets? The aim of the project was not to establish a budget itself, but to show ways of deriving it from empirically verified data and normative values. This creates a basis for future political decision-making processes. However, consistent governance also requires that the plastic emissions of various products, processes and consumption practices are accounted for in terms of quantity released and downstream environmental impacts. The second part of the project consisted of developing an impact assessment methodology in order to adequately take plastic emissions into account in life cycle analyses.

Main areas of work

Sources and sinks, history and dynamics of the plastic inputs into the environment
Use of various participation formats to discuss the issue of plastic emissions with stakeholders
Development of a budget approach for plastic emissions
Development of a method for the integration of plastic emissions in life cycle assessments
Dissemination and anchoring of results in politics, society, economy and science

Arbeitspakete

Work packages

WP 1 Review and discussion on the state of knowledge on plastic inputs into the environment

Contact persons
Jürgen Bertling, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Osterfelder Straße 3, 46047 Oberhausen, e-mail: juergen.bertling@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Dr. Steven Engler and Anna Bönisch, KWI, Goethestraße 31, 45128 Essen, e-mail: steven.engler@kwi-nrw.de,anna.boenisch@kwi-nrw.de

Short description
WP 1 focuses on the scientific, technical, ecological and economic as well as on the socio-cultural aspects. Furthermore, this work package develops the participation programmes in the project in detail.

WP 2 Development of a budget approach for plastic emissions

Contact persons
Jürgen Bertling, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Osterfelder Straße 3, 46047 Oberhausen, e-mail: juergen.bertling@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Dr. Steven Engler and Anna Bönisch, KWI, Goethestraße 31, 45128 Essen, e-mail: steven.engler@kwi-nrw.de, anna.boenisch@kwi-nrw.de

Short description
WP 2 involves researching and developing a budget approach for plastic emissions as well as conducting a stakeholder dialogue on the approach. Moreover, this work package will utilise outreach dialogue with citizens and a living lab.

WP 3 Development of an impact assessment method for the integration of the plastic emissions in life cycle analysis

Contact person
Dr. Daniel Maga and Nils Thonemann, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Osterfelder Straße 3, 46047 Oberhausen, e-mail:daniel.maga@umsicht.fraunhofer.de, nils.thonemann@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Short description
WP 3 will focus on research and elaboration of existing impact assessment methods. Additional focus will be on understanding the relationship between impact assessment methodology and the budget approach. For these purposes, expert dialogues and workshops will be conducted.

WP 4 Dissemination and establishing budget approaches and impact assessments for plastic emissions in science, politics and society

Contact person
Miriam Wienhold, KWI, Goethestraße 31, 45128 Essen, e-mail: miriam.wienhold@kwi-nrw.de

Short description
WP 4 will involve selecting actors for the various dialogue formats and developing a socially robust communication strategy. Conferences and debates will be held with an overarching focus on public relations for this project.

Coordinator

Jürgen Bertling
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT,
Products Division, Department of Sustainability and Resource Management,
Osterfelder Straße 3
46047 Oberhausen
Phone: +49 208/8598-1168
e-mail: juergen.bertling@umsicht.fraunhofer.de

Website

https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/en/projects/plasticbudget.html

Partner Institutions

Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities / KWI

Duration Period

November 2017

September 2021

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