Exciting innovations are being developed here

On Okinawa, an island in southern Japan, diet has played a special role for centuries. It is no coincidence that Okinawa is known as one of the regions where people live to a particularly advanced age. The traditional cuisine is considered simple, natural, and rich in fiber. Vegetables, seaweed, brown rice, and fermented foods are staples of the diet. Here, health and well-being are not viewed as short-term goals, but rather as the result of a lifestyle centered on balance and consistency.

Small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference
We’ve all been there: that half-eaten cucumber was forgotten and is now going moldy; the unopened cream cheese has quietly passed its best-by date; and instead of buying just one bell pepper, you bought three because they were on sale. Food waste happens largely at home—and, above all, it creeps up on us. Nevertheless, enormous amounts accumulate in Austria. Yet even small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference in how we handle food.

No summer is complete without a barbecue! A fun get-together, a wide variety of dishes in a relaxed atmosphere—for many, firing up the grill is simply part of the warm season. What we put on the grill should be anything but a trivial matter:  When you consciously choose seasonal vegetables and high-quality meat from Austria, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re also supporting local agriculture and regional economic growth.

Hardly any houseplant rewards good care as impressively as an orchid. When, after weeks or months, a new flower spike suddenly appears and the first buds open, the joy is immense. To ensure that such moments of blooming occur regularly, it’s worth taking a closer look at the plant’s needs. After all, not all orchids are the same: Depending on the species, their requirements for light, water, temperature, and dormant periods vary.

With the passing of Hilde Umdasch, we have lost an impressive business leader who combined courage, humanity, and corporate responsibility. Back in 2014, we had the privilege of interviewing her for our then-current multikosmos magazine.

Brown blades of grass, bare patches, and a lawn that looks a bit worn out overall: Heat and prolonged dry spells can take a significant toll in the summer. But even if your lawn looks anything but healthy right now, there’s still plenty you can do. Fall is the ideal time to help your lawn recover and, at the same time, prepare it well for winter.

That’s because, while the intense heat is over, the soil is still pleasantly warm. Cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall create good conditions for growth. The grass can recover, form new roots, and gradually fill in smaller gaps.