Agriculture and forestry

Microplastics are not only found in oceans and inland waters, but also in aquacultures. Consequently, they enter the food chain via fish. One of the reasons for this are so-called growth bodies, which are used in closed pond systems for water treatment. The problem: these filters are made of petroleum-based plastics. Researchers at Hof University of Applied Sciences have come up with an alternative for aquaponics, the joint cultivation of fish and vegetables.

Many people associate Katjes primarily with fruit gums and licorice. But the confectionery company from Emmerich am Rhein has also been one of the pioneers of vegan confectionery for years. The company has long dispensed with animal gelatin in the manufacture of its products. As early as 2016, it converted its entire Katjes range in Germany to vegetarian products. With Katjes Greenfood, the confectionery manufacturer has also established a platform to further promote plant-based foods.

Around one third of Germany's agricultural land is used for meadows and pastures. In its natural state, grassland is one of the world's most species-rich ecosystems and, according to experts, can even compete with the species richness of rainforests. Meadows and pastures are not only an important source of food for insects, they are also resistant to storms and can store carbon in the soil for a long time.

In view of a growing population and dwindling resources as a result of climate change, alternative protein sources are becoming increasingly important. A wide range is available: legumes, algae, fungi and insects, as well as proteins obtained by cell-based or fermentative processes, are suitable as a source of raw materials for a healthy, environmentally conscious and sustainable diet.

It comes in red, pink, creamy white - and now also in cinnamon, bright lemon yellow and even bicolor: the poinsettia. Originally from Central America, the tropical plant with the Latin name Euphorbia pulcherrima is the second most popular ornamental plant in this country after the orchid. And despite a wide range of colors - the red poinsettia is still considered the favorite.

The days when conventional cow's milk was the top seller in the refrigerated section are long gone. With oat, soy and almond milk, the protein-rich beverage is getting competition from plant-based products. Plant-based alternatives are also already available for other dairy products such as yogurt. The market is thereby serving a trend that experts believe will continue in the coming years.

The bark of young trees is a feast for several inhabitants of the forest. Young plants in particular often do not survive the resulting damage. In reforestation, trees are therefore often protected by so-called growth covers: The coarse mesh material surrounds the trunk and keeps hungry mouths away. Technically, these shells should be removed after three to five years - but due to a lack of personnel and other reasons, this is not always the case. Over time, the tree covers decompose and end up as small and microplastic in nature.