After the initiator had made a citizen's request, the city agreed to the action day and took over the organization. Since then, preparations have been in full swing. Nitsche-Hainer is very satisfied with the numerous promises that have been made so far: "I am pleased with the large number of participants. The city has done a great job," she says. More than 30 schools and daycare centres are taking part, plus more than a dozen municipal facilities for open youth work.

There will be a trade fair in the Stadthaus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. where visitors can find out about various aspects of climate-friendly living. While the participation of the municipal institutions is being coordinated by the city, Nitsche-Hainer was able to win over numerous other Bonn institutions as well as offices and private households for the action day. "Among others, the Telekom Foundation and the Museum Koenig are also taking part," reports the initiator.

The „Thicker Sweater Day" is intended to set an example for climate and environmental protection. All participating institutions are called upon to turn down their heating by one or two degrees. "The action has a symbolic character", explains Nitsche-Hainer. Ideally, the day of action should also be used for discussion - about climate and environmental protection.

This will be the case at the cathedral school, for example: "We will have a small school meeting where the pupils will be sensitised on the subject of climate protection", says Clauspeter Wollenweber, head of the cathedral school. Many of his pupils are already very well informed about climate protection: "In autumn we started an environmental working group, which has been very well received by the children", reports Wollenweber. The Bertolt-Brecht Comprehensive School also has some plans for the "Thicker Sweater Day".

"As a Unesco school, it was soon clear to us that we wanted to take part in the Thicker Sweater Day," says deputy headmaster Frank Szmala. On February 7, the Beuel school will appoint some girls and boys as climate patrons. From each class, two responsible persons will be selected who will always look for ways to save energy in the school day in the future - for example in lighting, windows or ventilation. "At the same time, with the Thicker Sweater Day we also want to send a signal to the parents' homes and perhaps encourage them to think about possible energy savings at home," says Szmala.

There are many ways to take part in the action day - Nitsche-Hainer is bubbling with ideas: "You could hold an environmental quiz in a café or start a collection campaign for a climate and environmental project. Anyone can take part," she stresses. Institutions that register their participation personally with the organiser are listed on the homepage www.dicker-pulli-tag-bonn.de.

Original text: Sebastian Flick
Translation: Mareike Graepel