Interesting home-based stories

Strength Lies in Experience
The Weiermair family farm is located in the idyllic town of Adlwang in Upper Austria and is currently home to about 320 pigs. Johannes Weiermair took over his parents’ organic farm in 2011 and has initiated several changes since then. The former mixed-farming operation has been exclusively dedicated to organic pig farming since 2020. As is so often the case in life, such a transition is always accompanied by ups and downs. In this interview, the passionate organic farmer discusses the challenges the family faced and how he continues to tackle them today using common sense.

A New Perspective on the Future of Agriculture - A Conversation with Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Windisch

The idea that progress is inevitably synonymous with growth is deeply ingrained in many people’s minds. However, in the face of an agricultural sector grappling with increasingly scarce resources, mounting climate pressures, and ecological limits, a new way of thinking is gaining ground: farming in harmony with nature.

Arjen Stouten runs Huyskweker Stouten V.O.F. in Oosterland, the Netherlands, together with his family. On approximately 1 hectare of greenhouse space, the family-run business professionally cultivates high-quality summer flowers, as well as a wide assortment of bedding and balcony plants and various perennials. A particular focus is on balcony and patio planters, as well as hanging baskets with built-in water reservoirs. The company sells directly to private end customers throughout the Netherlands and a small part of Belgium.

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.

August is the perfect time to enjoy nature to the fullest. Whether you’re hiking, at the lake, in the garden, or on vacation—the sun is a part of many wonderful summer moments. At the same time, your skin is exposed to particular stresses during this season. UV rays, heat, wind, and saltwater or chlorinated water can strain the skin’s natural barrier and strip it of moisture.

With the right skincare, you can help your skin stay healthy, supple, and radiant all summer long. Three factors play a key role here: protection, hydration, and regeneration.

There is a vast variety of skin care and cosmetic products available. No matter what the problem, the market offers a solution to pamper yourself and your skin. For dry skin, you apply moisturizer diligently; for dandruff, there’s the right shampoo; and for wrinkles, there are numerous formulations designed to make your skin glow. But even products intended for good can often—even expensive ones—contain questionable ingredients. We’re talking about PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals.” They’re frequently used in cosmetics and other products because of their durability, but they’re facing increasing criticism due to their impact on people and the environment. This article explains what they are, how they work, why they can be harmful, and why natural cosmetics offer a genuine alternative.