Together for more sustainability

Switzerland is home to some 56,000 plant, fungal and animal species, 39 of which are found only in Switzerland - i.e. nowhere else in the world. These include the Swiss gold grasshopper, Nidwaldner hairy snail, gobies and snow wormwood.

Tulips were extremely popular in the Netherlands in the 17th century but were not widely available yet, and thus prices soared astronomically, and tulip bulbs became a speculative commodity – until the tulip bubble burst, resulting in an economic disaster.

Ivy leaves have soap-like qualities and can thus be used as a natural cleaning agent. Chestnuts can similarly be used as an organic cleanser.

We can promote biodiversity on a local scale too. Domestic wild plants and herbs are particularly well-suited for this: Fragrant flowers are a welcome source of nectar for insects and butterflies, and they appeal to humans too.

The Swiss whitefish is native to, for example, Lake Lucerne, where it is often fished. The Lake Zug whitefish, a similar species that was found only in Lake Zug, has become extinct.

Willow bark has an effect similar to aspirin. It can be taken for pain relief and to reduce a fever. Birch leaves are also said to have medicinal properties, but tend to be used for urinary tract infections, detoxification or treatment of hair loss.