------------Please note that some information is available in German language only-----------

The Action Day 2006 is the third event of its kind, initiated by FORUM WASHING FOR THE FUTURE - www.forum-waschen.de
The Action Day is under the patronage of Dr. Christian Grugel, president of the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety in Germany – Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit, who states in his greeting address:



Committed to the future – Sustainable action with incentives

"Acting sustainably means to make sure today that our children, grandchildren and following generations can have a sufficient basis for covering their own needs. Housework is one of the opportunities open to us to contribute to this important goal. Sustainability in private households is environmentally friendly, protects our health and cuts costs. Further information will be given at many locations in Germany on 10 May 2007, the fourth

Bundesweiter Aktionstag Nachhaltiges (Ab-)Waschen 2007
A nationwide day for
sustainable (dish) washing

Many small steps lead to the goal. Become involved in the project "Sustainability in private households" (Nachhaltigkeit im Haushalt) !
Sound laundry and dishwashing – i.e. sensible water and electricity consumption, and the use of laundry detergents and dishwashing products according to dosage instructions – make valuable contributions to environmental protection. They also help preserve your health and ease the strain on your purse. This does not really come as a surprise to consumers. Just the same, the fundamental principles of modern laundry care and dishwashing are not put into practice in all private households. This is reason enough for members of the German housewives' association (Deutscher Hausfrauenbund), the rural women's association (Deutscher LandFrauenverband) and further stakeholders to spread relevant new findings – on the occasion of the Aktionstag 2007 – Sustainable (Dish) Washing 2007. All stakeholders receive full information on recent developments in a two-day seminar before the event.

Technical progress, scientific research and innovative products – such as e.g. novel detergents and dishwashing products – enable reductions in electricity and water consumption when doing the laundry or cleaning the dishes. Consumers can act in an environmentally friendly way while saving money.

Sscientists enhance consumer choice

Staff and students of the department of appliance technology of Bonn University provide practical assistance. They developed individual calculation programmes for laundry and dishwashing costs – intended for consumers who want to know if they should purchase a new washing machine or if dishwashing by hand is less costly than using a dishwasher. Both "calculation assistants" are presented under Dishwashing Calculator and Laundry Calculator.

JOIN IN THE INITIATIVE!

Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. If you wish to participate in one of the many local activities or are planning your own action, please contact either the coordination office, the Deutscher Hausfrauenbund (DHB) or the Deutscher LandFrauenverband (dlv).