Austria's first 'organic village' wins award
The village of Seeham in the state of Salzburg has won an award for Austria’s most environmentally friendly place to live in a climate protection competition by state broadcaster ORF.
Environment Minister Andrä Rupprechter (ÖVP) and ORF Director General Alexander Wrabetz awarded prizes in 16 categories to the best environmental projects from around Austria, out of 172 submissions. A total of almost 48,000 votes were cast from across the country.
Seeham, population 1,800, stood out because it relies entirely on sustainable businesses. Of the 40 farms in the surrounding area, 80 percent are certified organic.
The village also has its own organic grocery store, local cheesemaker, an organic chocolate producer and organic bed and breakfasts. Even its tourism is sustainable and green, including an adventure trail around Lake Obertrumer, an e-bike hire company, a bee nature walk, and farm holidays.
Environmental awareness starts early, with the village kindergarten and primary school relying solely on local, organic produce for the children’s snacks and lunches.
The community’s heating is fuelled by wood from local, sustainably managed forests.
Mayor Peter Altendorfer (ÖVP) said the award was “an important stage in our work for the environment and a great honour".
Comments
See Also
Environment Minister Andrä Rupprechter (ÖVP) and ORF Director General Alexander Wrabetz awarded prizes in 16 categories to the best environmental projects from around Austria, out of 172 submissions. A total of almost 48,000 votes were cast from across the country.
Seeham, population 1,800, stood out because it relies entirely on sustainable businesses. Of the 40 farms in the surrounding area, 80 percent are certified organic.
The village also has its own organic grocery store, local cheesemaker, an organic chocolate producer and organic bed and breakfasts. Even its tourism is sustainable and green, including an adventure trail around Lake Obertrumer, an e-bike hire company, a bee nature walk, and farm holidays.
Environmental awareness starts early, with the village kindergarten and primary school relying solely on local, organic produce for the children’s snacks and lunches.
The community’s heating is fuelled by wood from local, sustainably managed forests.
Mayor Peter Altendorfer (ÖVP) said the award was “an important stage in our work for the environment and a great honour".
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.