Out and about sustainably in Bern
How we get around, what we consume, how we live – our behavior and our decisions shape our environment.
This booklet invites students at the University of Bern, to think about what you need for a good, satisfying life. It follows the sufficiency approach, which emphasizes wealth in time and space over wealth in goods and money. In chapters covering “Getting around”, “At home”, “Eating & drinking”, “Conscious consumption”, and “Culture & events”, we have gathered together useful facts, ideas, and tips. In the city of Bern, there are numerous innovative shops, eateries, organizations, and associations that are committed to promoting a sustainable lifestyle. One will find a selection of them in the pages of this booklet. Self-experiments are also included to stimulate your creativity and inspire you to try something unfamiliar, develop new habits, and integrate them in everyday life.
The information in this booklet is not exhaustive, and we encourage students to always reflect critically on the tips we offer, considering them in relation to your own opportunities and needs. Realizing sustainable lifestyles at the societal level is not easy, but one's own (consumer) behavior can make an important contribution.
This booklet is designed to accompany students in their daily life in Bern, offering fresh ideas, encouraging independent thinking, inspiring them to try new experiences, and showing practical ways to live in a way that benefits both themselves and the environment.