Foreigners are overwhelmed by Swiss recycling system; a threat of massive rockfall is looming over a Valais village; and more news in our Tuesday roundup.
Expats are overwhelmed by the Swiss recycling system
At least, that is according to a report in Nau news platform on Monday.
It has collected comments from social media sites reflecting how foreign residents feel about the recycle culture in Switzerland. It can be summed up thusly: “they are overwhelmed with all the different containers and garbage bags.”
“There are small piles of trash piling up all over the house that need to be taken to different places,” one person said.
Another added, “Do you do anything else [besides recycling], or is this a full-time job?”
According to Nau, “the posts come from expats, people who live in Switzerland but who didn’t grow up with Swiss culture.”
READ ALSO: What surprises foreigners the most about life in Switzerland
Valais mountain village evacuated due to a massive landslide threat
The subsidence of the Kleine Nestho, the mountain above Blatten, a community in the Lötschental Valley, has accelerated rapidly since last week; cracks have become visible in its surface and part of a ridge has already broken off.
This is presenting an increased risk of major rockfall, prompting the evacuation of the entire village — 300 people in all.
Up to five million cubic meters of rock threaten to crash into the valley, though the exact timing of this event is not known.
Advertisement
And speaking of natural disasters…
A community in Appenzell holds the Swiss record for lightening strikes
If you believe in the saying that ‘lightening can’t strike twice,’ you are mistaken.
Just ask the residents of Gonten, in canton Appenzell Innerrhoden, who have witnessed the highest concentration of lightning strikes per square kilometre.
Overall, 29,000 lightning strikes were recorded in 2024 throughout the country 12 percent less than in 2023.
The busiest month was June, with 9,500 strikes, and the busiest day was July 31st, (3,200).
The Swiss Health Survey reveals significant health differences between the sexes
The results of the survey, released by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on Monday, show clear differences in men’s and women’s health.
For example, more women report living with at least one chronic illness (55 percent, compared with 44 percent of men).
On the other hand, the prevalence of overweight (including obesity) is higher among men than among women (52 percent versus 34 percent).
Smoking is also more common among men (27 percent versus 21 percent).
The FSO also found that, in addition to factors related to biological sex, the gender roles assigned to men and women in society “also affect their health and reinforce social inequalities.”
Advertisement
Switzerland will have a new coin that resembles the euro
On May 22nd, the Swissmint will release a coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Federal Court, the country’s highest judicial authority.
“The issuance of the [10-franc] coin pays tribute to an independent, impartial justice system that is characteristic of the rule of law, while emphasising its importance to Swiss citizens, ” Swissmint said in a press release on Monday.
“Bicolored in aluminum bronze and cupronickel, it has a diameter of 33 mm and weighs 15 g. The obverse of the coin depicts Justitia, the embodiment of justice. She holds a sword and scales in her hands, symbolising the power and authority of law.”
This is what the coin looks like:
Photo: Swissmint
Unlike standard coins, this new one features the four official languages on the obverse, “testifying to the linguistic and cultural diversity of Switzerland,” Swissmint added.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch