People in all German-speaking countries are big fans of the outdoors and care very much about the environment. They have been taking steps for many years to combat its destruction. But Germany in particular, along with the Netherlands, is considered to be at the forefront of all international efforts. They are dedicated to the preservation of nature, the practice of recycling, and preventing global warming.

If you visit Germany you will notice a large collection of recycling bins on every street block. Each bin has a separate purpose: one for plastic, one for metal, one for green glass, one for white glass, one for brown glass, and so on. There is an efficient system known as the Grünerpunkt. According to this system, businesses must display a mark (a "green point," or circle) on all of their products. This symbol indicates that each piece must be recycled. The company pays for the expense and the consumer must strictly comply. For example, when a German eats a yogurt, he or she must rinse out the cup and the lid and recycle each part into separate containers. Behind every large apartment complex, you will also see bins for various items. The rest must be taken to the larger bins that are set up on the streets. It is a complex system but at the end there is very little left over that needs to be put into the garbage.

If you drive on the extensive highway system you will often see trucks on the side of the road waiting for their turn to drive. This is because there is a limit on how many hours companies can have their trucks on the road. This helps control large amounts of gas emissions. There are also excessive tolls to pay and much of this money goes to environmental causes. You may also note that gas prices are quite high, thus discouraging some people from driving and encouraging them to use public transport or bicycles instead. In fact, many people bike to work and it is not unusual to see both men and women in suits, riding bicycles with their briefcases attached!