WWF warns of enormous food waste at Christmas in Austria

According to the WWF, Austria alone produces around one million tons of food waste annually—over 100 kilogrammes per person. The NGO expects even more food waste at Christmas. The WWF warns of food waste and its consequences before the Christmas holidays. “During the Advent and Christmas seasons and around the turn of the year, we place a particularly heavy burden on the environment and climate. Careful handling of valuable food can significantly contribute to sustainable holidays,” said Dominik Heizmann, WWF expert for sustainable nutrition, in a press release published on…

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The number of burglaries increases at Christmas

The police consider December 24 the day with the highest number of burglaries in Austria yearly. The Federal Criminal Police Office, therefore, warns people to be vigilant around the holidays and “use common sense.” “We have around 15 percent more burglaries at dusk on this day than on normal December days,” says Hans-Peter Seidl, from the Burglary Unit at the Federal Criminal Police Office. There are around 25 burglaries at dusk every dayAccording to Seidl, there are currently around 25 daily break-ins throughout Austria. Each season (November, December, January), the…

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Did you already know? The color of your dishwashing sponge has a purpose

The color of a dish sponge isn’t just for aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in determining its suitability for various cleaning tasks. Ignoring these color codes could inadvertently cause damage to your dishes. It is essential to choose the right sponge to avoid scratching delicate dishes, but many people are unaware of this. Decoding the colors of dishwashing spongesDifferent colors of dishwashing sponges serve different purposes, experts explain. The green sponge, known for its sturdiness, is ideal for removing stubborn dirt and grime. However, its abrasive nature is not…

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Fake invoices: Fraudsters are targeting Apple users

Criminals are currently trying to defraud iCloud users with fake invoices. Find out how you can protect yourself here.Type of scam: phishing emailTarget of the attacks: iCloud usersRisk classification: HighA new wave of phishing messages targets Apple’s iCloud service users, warns the consumer advice center. With the subject “Your file may be deleted,” this email refers to allegedly full iCloud storage. The content includes an invoice with the invoice date, order number, and other data.However, the exact item or service ordered is not specified. This is followed by the information…

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Border controls with the Czech Republic extended by two months

Austria is continuing extraordinary controls at the Schengen border with the Czech Republic for fear of illegal migration. The Ministry of the Interior announced on Saturday that checks will continue for a further two months after December 17 for the time being. “Border controls are necessary both to combat the smuggling mafia and to take consistent action against internationally active extremists,” said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). Border controls with the Czech Republic since OctoberAccording to information, border controls between Austria and the Czech Republic were reintroduced on October 18.…

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The Corona variant Pirola (BA.2.86) has produced an even more contagious subline with JN.1.

For weeks, Austria has been in the middle of a coronavirus wave that has never been seen before on this scale. Around 40,000 sick days due to the virus were reported to the Austrian Health Insurance Fund last week. Hospital admissions have increased by over 30 percent within a week, and the viral load curve in wastewater has reached a level never seen before. The creeping wave was triggered by the XBB lines. In the meantime, however, another variant has taken over and is likely to dominate the incidence of…

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Launching of the Alliance of Filipino Health Workers in Austria

Under the motto GEMEINSAM SIND WIR STARK (Together we are strong) a well-organized launch of the Alliance of Filipino Health Workers in Austria was staged on December 15, 2023, at the Philippine Embassy in Vienna. A number of Filipino health workers and pensioners from all over Austria attended the launching ceremony. Some newly arrived nurses from the Philippines were also represented. The organizers, under the leadership of Marjorie Akistoy, Richel Bögner, and Janet Heiss, offered a one-of-a-kind programme that featured inspirational talks and practical information on issues concerning Filipino health…

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There is no chance of snow or a white Christmas in the eastern part of Austria

When it comes to predicting the Christmas weather, meteorologists have rarely been so divided as this year: anything is possible. Only in the ski resorts is a white Christmas very likely; in the lowlands and in almost all provincial capitals, snow at Christmas is rather unlikely. After four days of sun and spring, it will begin to rain in the western ski resorts on Wednesday. Rain is also forecast for Thursday, from Kitzbühel to Schladming. There will be significant differences in weather and temperature for the Christmas holidays between the…

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Vignette, child seat, parking: These new traffic rules will apply from 2024

From short-term parking zones in Vienna to travelling abroad, road users will face a number of changes in 2024. There will also be changes for commuters in the new year. An overview of what will apply in 2024: Expansion of short-term parking zones in the Vienna areaOn January 1, 2024, the existing short-term parking zone in Vösendorf will be extended. In Leopoldsdorf bei Wien, a new short-term parking zone will be introduced across the entire municipal area in March 2024. Other surrounding municipalities are also considering introducing or extending the…

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