@article{FuchsDiGiulioGlaabetal.2016, author = {Fuchs, Doris and Di Giulio, Antonietta and Glaab, Katharina and Lorek, Sylvia and Maniates, Michael and Princen, Thomas and Ropke, Inge}, title = {Power: the missing element in sustainable consumption and absolute reductions research and action}, series = {Journal of Cleaner Production}, volume = {132}, journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production}, doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.02.006}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-106438}, pages = {298 -- 307}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In this essay, we aim to demonstrate the value of a power lens on consumption and absolute reductions. Specifically, we illuminate what we perceive to be a troublesome pattern of neglect of questions of power in research and action on sustainable consumption and absolute reductions. In pursuit of our objectives, we delineate how many of the informal and implicit "theories of social change" of scholars and activists in sustainable consumption and sustainable development fail to address power in a sufficiently explicit, comprehensive and differentiated manner and how that failure translates into insufficient understandings of the drivers of consumption and the potential for and barriers to absolute reductions. Second, we develop the contours of a power lens on sustainable consumption. Third, we illustrate the value of such a power lens, with a particular focus on the case of meat consumption.}, language = {en} } @article{AlfredssonBentssonSzejnwaldBrownetal.2018, author = {Alfredsson, Eva and Bentsson, Magnus and Szejnwald Brown, Halina and Eisenhour, Cindy and Lorek, Sylvia and Stevis, Dimitris and Vergragt, Philip}, title = {Why achieving the Paris Agreement requires reduced overall consumption and production}, series = {Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy}, volume = {14}, journal = {Sustainability: Science, Practice and Policy}, number = {1}, issn = {1548-7733}, doi = {10.1080/15487733.2018.1458815}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-106448}, pages = {1 -- 5}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Technological solutions to the challenge of dangerous climate change are urgent and necessary but to be effective they need to be accompanied by reductions in the total level of consumption and production of goods and services. This is for three reasons. First, private consumption and its associated production are among the key drivers of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions, especially among highly emitting industrialized economies. There is no evidence that decoupling of the economy from GHG emissions is possible at the scale and speed needed. Second, investments in more sustainable infrastructure, including renewable energy, needed in coming decades will require extensive amounts of energy, largely from fossil sources, which will use up a significant share of the two-degree carbon budget. Third, improving the standard of living of the world's poor will consume a major portion of the available carbon allowance. The scholarly community has a responsibility to put the issue of consumption and the associated production on the research and policy agenda.}, language = {en} } @article{BengtssonAlfredssonCohenetal.2018, author = {Bengtsson, Magnus and Alfredsson, Eva and Cohen, Maurie and Lorek, Sylvia and Schroeder, Patrick}, title = {Transforming systems of consumption and production for achieving the sustainable development goals: moving beyond efficiency}, series = {Sustainability Science}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainability Science}, number = {6}, doi = {10.1007/s11625-018-0582-1}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-106615}, pages = {1533 -- 1547}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The United Nations formulated the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in 2015 as a comprehensive global policy framework for addressing the most pressing social and environmental challenges currently facing humanity. In this paper, we analyse SDG 12, which aims to ''ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.'' Despite long-standing political recognition of this objective, and ample scientific evidence both on its importance and on the efficacy of various ways of promoting it, the SDGs do not provide clear goals or effective guidance on how to accomplish this urgently needed transformation. Drawing from the growing body of research on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), the paper identifies two dominant vantage points—one focused on promoting more efficient production methods and products (mainly through technological improvement and informed consumer choice) and the other stressing the need to consider also overall volumes of consumption, distributional issues, and related social and institutional changes. We label these two approaches efficiency and systemic. Research shows that while the efficiency approach contains essential elements of a transition to sustainability, it is by itself highly unlikely to bring about sustainable outcomes. Concomitantly, research also finds that volumes of consumption and production are closely associated with environmental impacts, indicating a need to curtail these volumes in ways that safeguard social sustainability, which is unlikely to be possible without a restructuring of existing socioeconomic arrangements. Analysing how these two perspectives are reflected in the SDGs framework, we find that in its current conception, it mainly relies on the efficiency approach. On the basis of this assessment, we conclude that the SDGs represent a partial and inadequate conceptualisation of SCP which will hamper implementation. Based on this determination, this paper provides some suggestions on how governments and other actors involved in SDGs operationalisation could more effectively pursue SCP from a systemic standpoint and use the transformation of systems of consumption and production as a lever for achieving multiple sustainability objectives.}, language = {en} } @article{LaamanenWahlenLorek2018, author = {Laamanen, Mikko and Wahlen, Stefan and Lorek, Sylvia}, title = {A moral householding perspective on the sharing economy}, series = {Journal of Cleaner Production}, volume = {202}, journal = {Journal of Cleaner Production}, doi = {10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.08.224}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-106917}, pages = {1220 -- 1227}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In this paper, we scrutinise the sharing economy from a moral householding perspective and evaluate the moral justifications for a sustainable form of the sharing economy. We consider the emergence of normative moral justifications through householding practices that rest on local mobilisation of people in defence of communities and commitments against the adverse impacts of neoliberal market capitalism. Our perspective draws on Karl Polanyi's conceptualisation of householding, that is, autarchic, communistic provision in a closed community. Using timebanking as an example, we illustrate how a moral sharing economy can be mobilised in collective battles against the current neoliberal system of economic crisis. We contribute to the amassing sharing economy literature emphasising a central, yet missing element of the current discourse: householding as practices creating self-sufficiency and autonomy as well as combining both kin and stranger.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KoederHahnEnglert2021, author = {Koeder, Christian and Hahn, Andreas and Englert, Heike}, title = {A plant-based diet and healthy lifestyle lower C-reactive protein levels}, series = {Complement Med Res}, booktitle = {Complement Med Res}, doi = {10.1159/000514476}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-131847}, pages = {6 -- 7}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Introduction: Many disease processes are accompanied and promoted by increased inflammation in the body. Increased concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the blood are an indicator of subclinical inflammation, increased disease risk, and an increased risk of early death. A healthy plant-based diet and increased physical activity have been shown to reduce hs-CRP concentrations. Objectives: Our objective was to test if a healthy lifestyle intervention program can improve hs-CRP levels and other risk factors. Methodology: We are conducting a non-randomized, controlled intervention study with 6 times of measurement (baseline, after 2.5, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months). Participants in the intervention group (n = 104) took part in a 2.5-month intensive lifestyle program focusing on a plant-based diet (PBD), physical activity, stress management and group support. Currently they are in the less intensive phase (monthly seminars) which will be completed after 24 months. The control group (n = 62) did not take part in any program. In both groups hs-CRP was assessed, and participants with an infection/common cold at any of the times of measurement were excluded from the analyses. Results: In the intervention group (n = 97) we observed a reduction in hsCRP from baseline to 2.5 months (p < 0.001). In the control group (n = 46) hs-CRP levels increased non-significantly. The changes from baseline to 2.5 months were significantly different between intervention and control (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Our program led to a clinically relevant reduction in hs-CRP. Continued follow-up will show if this improvement can be maintained in the intervention group. Our study confirms that a PBD and healthier lifestyle choices can lower hs-CRP.}, language = {en} } @article{BaumeisterGardemannFobkeretal.2021, author = {Baumeister, Anna and Gardemann, Joachim and Fobker, Manfred and Spiegler, Verena and Fischer, Tobias}, title = {Short-Term Influence of Caffeine and Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Ketogenesis: A Controlled Double-Blind Intervention Study}, series = {Hindawi Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism}, volume = {Volume 2021, Article ID 1861567}, journal = {Hindawi Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism}, doi = {10.25974/fhms-13806}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-138069}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background. Ketone bodies are a highly relevant topic in nutrition and medicine. -e influence of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) on ketogenesis is well known and has been successfully used in ketogenic diets for many years. Nevertheless, the effects of MCTs and coconut oil on the production of ketone bodies have only partially been investigated. Furthermore, the increased mobilisation of free fatty acids and release of catabolic hormones by caffeine suggest an influence of caffeine on ketogenesis. Methods. In a controlled, double-blind intervention study, seven young healthy subjects received 10mL of tricaprylin (C8), tricaprin (C10), C8/C10 (50\% C8, 50\% C10), or coconut oil with or without 150 mg of caffeine, in 250mL of decaffeinated coffee, over ten interventions. At baseline and after every 40 minutes, for 4 h, ßHB and glucose in capillary blood as well as caffeine in saliva were measured. Furthermore, questionnaires were used to survey sensory properties, side effects, and awareness of hunger and satiety. Results. -e interventions with caffeine caused an increase in ßHB levels—in particular, the interventions with C8 highly impacted ketogenesis. -e effect decreased with increased chain lengths. All interventions showed a continuous increase in hunger and diminishing satiety. Mild side effects (total � 12) occurred during the interventions. Conclusions. -e present study demonstrated an influence of caffeine and MCTon ketogenesis. -eaddition of caffeine showed an additive effect on the ketogenic potential of MCT and coconut oil. C8 showed the highest ketogenicity.}, language = {en} } @article{KreyenschmidtRoeslerRitter2021, author = {Kreyenschmidt, Judith and R{\"o}sler, Florian and Ritter, Guido}, title = {Recommendation of Good Practice in the Food-Processing Industry for Preventing and Handling Food Loss and Waste}, series = {Sustainability}, volume = {13}, journal = {Sustainability}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.25974/fhms-13969}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-139699}, pages = {9569 -- 9599}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Food-processing companies are controlled by societal influences and economic interests, but their efforts with regard to reducing food loss and waste are very different. This qualitative study aims to identify basic recommendations of good practice for the food-processing industry in order to prevent and handle food loss and waste. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature review was conducted in the field of food waste prevention and data was collected from thirteen German companies. The findings summarize the recommendations of good practice, which cover the entire supply chain from supplier to consumer and beyond. The analysis showed that the participating companies are already partially aware of operational measures, even if they are applied or mentioned without a systematic approach. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that most activities relate to internal matters, like processing, employees and utilization. However, the responsibility of foodprocessing companies does not end with internal processes to reduce food waste. The results show that some companies are already aware of their responsibility to be involved along the entire supply chain. Finally, the results show that the needs of consumers and suppliers must also be considered in order to reduce food waste, in addition to direct reduction measures. This paper highlights nine important stages and 53 basic recommendations for companies to address food loss and waste in order to improve their practices.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KoederHusainKranzetal.2021, author = {Koeder, Christian and Husain, Sarah and Kranz, Ragna-Marie and Hahn, Andreas and Englert, Heike}, title = {How to achieve sustainable eating in the general population?}, series = {The 9th World Sustainability Forum Program and Abstract Book}, booktitle = {The 9th World Sustainability Forum Program and Abstract Book}, publisher = {MDPI}, doi = {10.25974/fhms-14045}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-140455}, pages = {57 -- 57}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Introduction: Moving towards a more plant-based dietary pattern would likely be beneficial in terms of a variety of sustainability dimensions. Methodology: We conducted a 2-year intervention study with six measurement time points (baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 1½ years, 2 years) in rural northwest Germany. The intervention consisted of a lifestyle programme, and dietary recommendations were to move towards a healthy, plant-based diet. The control group received no intervention. Diet quality was assessed with the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI). Results: In the intervention group (n = 67), the 2-year trajectory of hPDI was significantly higher compared to control (n = 39; p 0.001; between-group difference: 5.7 (95\% CI 4.0, 7.3) food portions/day; adjusted for baseline). The 2-year trajectory of meat intake was significantly lower in the intervention group (n = 79) compared to control (n = 40; p 0.001; between-group difference: -0.7 (95\% CI -0.9, -0.5) portions/day; adjusted for baseline). Conclusion: Our study confirms that plant-based nutrition education in the general population is likely to result in at least modest dietary improvements in terms of general healthfulness and meat reduction.}, language = {en} } @article{Martinetal.2021, author = {Martin, Maria and ..., ... and ..., ... and Lorek, Sylvia and ..., ...}, title = {Ten new insights in climate science 2021: a horizon scan}, series = {Global Sustainability}, journal = {Global Sustainability}, publisher = {Cambridge University Press}, doi = {10.25974/fhms-16066}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-160666}, year = {2021}, abstract = {A synthesis is made of 10 topics within climate research, where there have been significant advances since January 2020. The insights are based on input from an international open call with broad disciplinary scope. Findings include: (1) the options to still keep global warming below 1.5 °C; (2) the impact of non-CO2 factors in global warming; (3) a new dimension of fire extremes forced by climate change; (4) the increasing pressure on interconnected climate tipping elements; (5) the dimensions of climate justice; (6) political challenges impeding the effectiveness of carbon pricing; (7) demand-side solutions as vehicles of climate mitigation; (8) the potentials and caveats of nature-based solutions; (9) how building resilience of marine ecosystems is possible; and (10) that the costs of climate change mitigation policies can be more than justified by the benefits to the health of humans and nature.}, language = {en} } @article{SpangenbergLorek2022, author = {Spangenberg, Joachim H. and Lorek, Sylvia}, title = {Who cares (for whom)}, series = {Frontiers in Sustainability}, journal = {Frontiers in Sustainability}, publisher = {Frontiers Media}, doi = {10.25974/fhms-16067}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:836-opus-160675}, year = {2022}, language = {en} }