Coca-Cola introduced to the Czech Market packaging that keeps plastic lids tethered to bottles when opened to make it easier for consumers to recycle drinks packaging in its entirety.
Plastic bottle caps can be recycled but are often lost, discarded or end up as litter, Coca-Cola said in a statement. The new design aims to reduce that, the company said.
The design is part of Coca-Cola’s strategy to help create a “circular economy” for its plastic products amid regulation and calls to reduce the amount of its plastic packaging that ends up in landfills and elsewhere.
By introducing the new obligation, the European Union promises that non-removable caps on bottles will keep all parts of beverage packaging together after consumption. This will make their collection and subsequent recycling much easier.
“After arriving at the recycling centre, the bottles and their caps go into a shredder, which is a set of knives that shreds them into flakes of about 10 millimetres under a stream of water. The whole mass is then washed in hot water with detergents to get rid of impurities, then it goes into a cold wash where the PET flakes from the bottles are separated from the flakes from the caps – the latter are made of HDPE,” explains František Doležal, CEO of the recycling company General Plastic.
Consumer reaction in markets where caps have not been removable for some time, such as Germany, has so far been mixed. Some appreciate the move in a more environmentally friendly direction, others complain that the cap scratches their lips or face when they drink.
Coca-Cola has said it has a responsibility to help solve what it calls the world’s plastics problem and has announced plans to use at least 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030. It also plans to make its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025 as part of its World Without Waste environmental program introduced in 2018.
Coca-Cola wants to use less packaging where it can and to see all packaging it uses collected, reused or recycled, a company spokesman said.
The Parliamentary Petition Committee has backed a petition calling for the restoration of horse-drawn carriages to Prague’s Old Town Square and Stromovka.
Last year, Prague councillors approved a change to the market laws that ban horse-drawn carriages beginning this year.
The committee’s 11 members unanimously approved a resolution suggesting that the city council examine the petitioners’ request and provide.
The campaign “A horse is not a machine” states that horses are sensitive to loud noises and run away when they feel at risk. Thus, it is not difficult to understand why a busy capital city can be a stressful and dangerous environment for them.
In addition to the loud noises, exhaust fumes also pose a threat to the animals’ health; that is, they cause significant damage to the horses’ lungs and respiratory systems. Finally, it is crucial to note that while people shield themselves from the scorching heat in the summer, the horses are forced to work. Similarly, they must continue to entertain tourists during the freezing winters.
The petition claims that the carriages weigh between 500 and 550 kilos. They point out that a horse may weigh up to three times its own weight on a flat terrain, and a fully loaded carriage will not weigh more than 1200 kg. “Even if two horses weigh 1400 kilograms together, they are still less than one times their own weight,” the petition adds.
“Among other things, that horses in all cities typically ride for ten hours or more, while in Prague they work for six hours, which he described as a “luxury”.
Committee chairman Tomio Okamura (SPD) said he would welcome a solution that would satisfy the petition’s demands.
Petr Fifka (ODS) described the ban as one of the worst decisions of the municipality. The petition was also supported by Stanislav Berkovec and Renata Oulehlová of the ANO movement.
Eva Kaděrková, the head of the Agriculture Ministry’s animal protection department, said that putting horses in carriages cannot be considered animal cruelty and the State Veterinary Administration has not found any violations of the law in Prague in the last ten years.
The cities where local authorities have ceased to issue commercial tourist-carriage licenses includes London, Paris, Rome and Toronto, while total bans are now in place in Oxford, Barcelona, Montréal, New Delhi, and Tel Aviv.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature, Prague has plenty of options.
From awe-inspiring landscapes to tranquil gardens, there is an abundance of natural beauty to be discovered all within an hour of Prague.
We’ve chosen some of the most beautiful green havens you can easily drive to from Prague. These include some UNESCO green heritage sites.
Český kras
From forests, rocky labyrinths, and caves, Český kras has it all. It is a nature reserve and a protected landscape near Prague that boasts a grandeur of undulating hills and vast valleys.
The 418-km trail goes through deep ravines, limestone formations, and other natural wonders where one can enjoy hiking, biking, or merely take a stroll in the petrified sunken forest around Koněprusy Caves.
Žleby
Cross the little bridge over the waterfall, listen to the rush of the water at the weir and admire a variety of buildings from turrets with battlements to watchtowers and gates that look like something straight out of the Middle Ages, all in the romantic park of Žleby Chateau. But don’t be fooled.
This park, made all the more dramatic and charming by its steep slopes and canyon-like river meander, dates back to just the 19th century. It’s certainly worth taking a walk into the neighbouring Žleby game reserve with its white deer. These are kept in just four reserves in the Czech Republic and the one in Žleby is the only one open to the public.
Divoká Šárka
If you’re looking for a secluded spot to spend your summer, Divoká Šárka has just what you need. The park features outcropping cliffs, stunning streams and fountains cascading down the rocks, and a natural pool fed by a waterfall.
Located only 20 to 30 minutes out of town, the park is well-connected to the city and easy to reach. Visitors can not only relax and sunbathe but also visit the hermit-like waterfall, where they can bask and immerse themselves in nature.
Vlašim
Around the chateau in Vlašim lies one of the most beautiful Czech parks, the perfect place for a picnic. You don’t have to worry about bringing a blanket or food – you can get yourself a picnic basket packed with goodies at the information centre in the chateau courtyard.
All you need to do is find the nicest spot to eat. And there’s nothing hard about that, as the park has countless places tucked away, full of little buildings and all connected by a nature trail. You could spread your blanket near one of the park’s main landmarks – the exotic Chinese pavilion.
Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park
For those looking to enjoy a bike trail or a stroll, the Klánovice-Čihadla Nature Park is an excellent option. Stretching over 3000 hectares, the park features beautiful meadows, sweet-smelling forests, tranquil ponds and streams, and wildlife to observe. Visitors can explore this picturesque landscape on foot, horseback, or bicycle.
- Unemployment in Czechia fell from 3.9 percent in February to 3.7 percent last month, according to data released by the Czech Office of Labour on Wednesday. Around 273,500 people were out of work in March, 9,000 fewer than the previous month.
- Food bank warehouses are almost empty ahead of the spring round of nationwide food collections, said Ales Slavicek, head of the Czech Federation of Food Banks. He said that food banks were receiving daily requests for food, and that the current economic situation is also affecting the middle class.
- People are heading back to the office, but the pre-COVID era won’t return, according to a survey by Savills. The occupancy rate of offices in Prague has risen by 16% since June 2020, reaching 54%, but still far from the pre-pandemic level of 70%. Many companies are adopting a hybrid work model.
- Czech high school students from the Fridays for Future movement will hold another climate strike on Friday, April 21. They demand explicit government action against the extension of coal mining in Bílina. The strike will start at Malostranské náměstí in Prague at 3:03 pm.
- The Czech Ministry of Finance is set to close 77 of the country’s 201 tax offices from July this year. Some 56 of the branches set for closure are already working in a limited mode.
Prague is hosting the first-ever edition of the Restaurant Week. From April 12 to April 23, the festival provide premium gourmet experiences at renowned restaurants.
Restaurant Week has been taking place all over Europe since 1992. It is held annually in New York, Chicago, London and other European cities. This year, it finally made its way to Prague.
Its aim is to celebrate unique gastronomic experiences, this year under the motto: #JidloNevychaziZMody
The inaugural Czech edition features 25 outstanding Prague eateries. There are historic Czech restaurants, foreign restaurants, and new fashionable bistros among them.
All restaurants will prepare the finest of their food to provide tourists with a wonderful dining experience. Participants may already select from a choice of menus on the website, which include appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.
The aim is to make the special menus that the restaurateurs prepare for the event available to the general public. This is also reflected in the price: 790 CZK per person.
What you can taste…
The spring menu at Alcron restaurant includes lamb with herbs, asparagus, and apples, as well as glazed carrots, rhubarb crudités, and celery.
The lamb was also given special attention by Sanduga restaurant, which stayed true to its fusion idea by serving it with Thai basil and bear garlic. Furthermore, like with many of the restaurants, they have created an additional seafood menu, so you may have calamari or Argentinian prawn ceviche.
The chefs at Karlin’s Nejen Bistro have also created an intriguing menu, where you can sample ostrich or blood orange ice cream.
If you want to be captivated by local delicacies, Blue Wagon in Vinohrady will not disappoint with its terrine of Struha farmer cottage cheese or the pumpkin-seed tenderloin, carrot-almond puree, caramelized shallots, and spinach.
Atelier red and wine menu features French classics such as foie gras foam gras with currants and swordfish steaks with new potatoes, spring peas, and chorizo sauce.
The 8th annual Beer and Burger (‘Pivo a Burger’) Festival will return to Karlínské náměstí on May 21, from 11 am.
A total of 25 burger stands will be operating throughout the day, including many of the Czech favorite food trucks and burger joints.
You can taste burgers from several Karlin restaurants but also some of Prague’s highest-rated burgers, like, Kaiser Franz, Hell Smoke, Take Eat Ez, Diego Pivni Bar, Zelva, and many others.
You can find the full list of participants here.
The best domestic breweries will also offer bottom-fermented beers: 23 craft brewers from Prague and across the Czech Republic, including favorites like Matuška, Clock, Raven, Albrecht, and many more, with over 100 beers on offer.
Admission to the event is free. However, to taste beers, it is necessary to buy a tasting glass for CZK 100.
Visitors can also have a bowl of soup from Karlín Polévkárna or a glass of wine from the Kubík winery, churros and coffee from the FairBio roastery. Live music will be provided by SCHODISTE and IGLÚ and DJ Jakobeen.
Another news of this edition will be the busker stage, where basically everyone can play.
Letná is one of the most intriguing and charismatic districts in Prague, boasting not only of a rich history but also a vibrant contemporary scene.
From the tranquil Letná Park to the trendy cafes and galleries, there’s plenty to explore and experience. In this article, we’ll take you through Letná’s fascinating past and present, highlighting the must-visit places and hidden gems.
A Journey Through Time: Letná’s History
Letná’s roots can be traced back to the 10th century, when a small settlement emerged near the present-day St. Agnes Convent. Over the centuries, Letná witnessed the arrival of different ethnic groups, social classes and architectural styles, resulting in a diverse and eclectic neighborhood.
During the Baroque era, Letná became a popular summer residence for the wealthy, who built lavish villas and gardens in the area. In the 19th century, as Prague underwent significant urbanization, Letná served as a hub for industry and transportation, with factories, warehouses, and rail stations dotting the landscape.
By the early 20th century, Letná’s cultural and artistic scene was thriving, attracting avant-garde artists, writers and intellectuals. For instance, the Kramář Villa, built in 1911 for the Czech politician Alois Rašín, became a meeting place for artists such as Alfons Mucha, Jan Zrzavý and Karel Čapek.
Sadly, the neighborhood suffered greatly during the Nazi and Communist regimes, with many of its heritage buildings destroyed or altered beyond recognition. However, Letná’s spirit could not be subdued, and in recent decades it has experienced a renaissance, becoming a trendy and cosmopolitan district.
The Past in the Present: Letná’s Landmarks
If you are interested in exploring Letná’s rich history, there are many landmarks, museums and monuments that offer a glimpse into the past, such as:
– The National Technical Museum: Located in Letná Park, this museum showcases the evolution of technology, industry and transportation in Czech lands, with exhibitions ranging from airplanes and locomotives to computers and robotics.
– The Hanavský Pavilion: Perched atop a hill overlooking the Vltava River, this Art Nouveau pavilion was built in 1891 as a lookout and refreshment spot for visitors to Letná Park. Today, it serves as a popular venue for concerts, exhibitions and weddings.
– The Metronome: Standing tall on the site of a former Stalin monument, this giant functional metronome was installed in 1991 as a symbol of the post-communist era. Besides marking time, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Prague’s skyline.
Discovering Letná Today: Cafes, Galleries and More
Apart from its historical legacy, Letná also boasts of a vibrant contemporary scene, with hip cafes, art spaces, and design shops dotting its streets. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or an art lover, there’s something for everyone in Letná.
Here are some of the top places to check out:
– Café Lajka: Named after the Soviet space dog Laika, this cozy cafe offers delicious coffee, cakes and sandwiches, as well as a friendly atmosphere and a quirky interior.
– DOX Centre for Contemporary Art: This cutting-edge gallery features exhibitions of local and international artists, as well as a cinema, a bookstore, and a restaurant. It also hosts workshops, lectures and other events that aim to foster critical thinking and social engagement.
Other notable places in Letná include the Studio Hrdinů design shop, the FotoGrafic Gallery, the Letná Beer Garden, and the aforementioned Letná Park, which offers not only stunning views but also a roller-skating rink, a playground, and a beer tent.
Get Lost in the Charm of Letná
As you explore Letná’s winding streets, colorful buildings and green spaces, you’ll realize that there’s something magical and irresistible about this district.
Whether you are a history buff, an art enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, Letná offers a unique and authentic experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
The festival will present both classic coffee preparation and various alternative ways or even coffee rituals.
There will also be the much-loved cold brew and much more.
You can look forward to a wide range of dishes that will satisfy even the most demanding gourmets.
The Brownies concert will be held at 13:30, and DJ Hlava will play for you all day long.
There will also be a rich accompanying program and thematic workshops for children and adults.
Find more information on Facebook
The Orthodox Church of St. Michael in the Kinský Garden in Prague 5 will be reconstructed more than two years after the fire.
Over 1.9 million CZK have been publicly gathered towards its rebuilding.
The full income of 1,904,454 CZK will be utilized to equip the inside of the new church. According to a press statement from the City of Prague, the construction would cost between 30 and 40 million CZK. However, the exact cost has yet to be established.
The so-called Carpathian little church burned down in October 2020 during the coronavirus crisis. However, even that did not stop generous donors.
“The two million crowns demonstrates how much people care about the restoration of this unique sacred monument, which is valuable for its architecture and place of origin. I sincerely appreciate every single donor. Thanks to their generous contributions, Prague can finally start rebuilding it after more than two years,” thanked Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09), Deputy Mayor for Culture, Tourism, and Heritage Conservation.
The measures for getting a construction permit for the building’s refurbishment are being taken. The planning for the contractor’s selection is also ongoing.
However, development cannot begin until next year. The reason for this is carpentry processes that need trees to be felled during the winter when they have less sap and are simpler to deal with.
The St. Michael’s Church was physically relocated to Prague in 1929, to celebrate the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the annexation of Carpathian Ruthenia (the Subcarpathian region) into then-Czechoslovakia after WWI.
The entirely-wooden church was disassembled and moved to Prague from the village of Medvědovce near Mukačevo, situated on today’s Ukrainian side of the Slovak- Hungarian- Ukrainian border area in the Carpathian Mountains, but was moved once before from its original birthplace in the village of Velké Loučky in the same region, in 1793.
Since 2008 the wooden church has been used by the Orthodox Church in Bohemia and Slovakia.
The IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will return to the Czech Republic after nine years.
The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship will be held in Prague and Ostrava from 10-26 May 2024.
This will be the eleventh time that the Czech Republic has hosted the world’s premier ice hockey event.
The Czechs will take over from Finland and Latvia, and the world’s best ice hockey players will once again compete for world medals in Prague and Ostrava in 2024. “Although there is still more than a year to go until the start of the competitions, the Organising Committee is already working hard on the preparations. Our goal is to come as close as possible to the very successful 2015 IIHF WM and to offer spectators an intense sporting experience,” said Alois Hadamczik, president of the Czech Ice Hockey Association.
After nine years, Prague and Ostrava again
The world’s best ice hockey players will compete in Prague Arena with a capacity of almost 17,500 spectators and in Ostrava Arena with 8,800 seats. Both arenas hosted the 2015 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. “We have two ice hockey arenas that meet the requirements of the IIHF. So the choice was clear. At the same time, we will be able to draw on the experience of 2004 and 2015, when the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships were held at the same venues. The main advantage of Prague Arena is its capacity, even by world standards,” said Petr Bříza, President of the Organising Committee of the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.
Game scheme
A total of sixteen national teams are divided into two groups in the Preliminary Round, where each team will meet. The top four ranked teams of each group advance to the quarter-finals that will be played cross-over.
The first-placed team in each preliminary-round group plays the fourth-placed team of the other group, while the second-placed team plays the third-placed team of the other group.
Prague and Ostrava will see 28 games in the Preliminary Round and 2 quarter-finals. The Prague Arena will host both semi-final games, the bronze medal game and the final. This means that 34 games will take place in the Czech capital and 30 in the Moravian-Silesian metropolis.
Tickets will go on sale in the autumn of 2023.
All information about the 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship can be found on the website 2024.iihfworlds.com or on the official social networks.
- After more than two years, the Church of St. Archangel Michael will be restored thanks to generous donors who contributed over 1.9 million crowns. The historically valuable church was destroyed by fire two and a half years ago, but thanks to a public collection, it can once again become a jewel in the Kinsky garden.
- Over 80,000 Czechs showed interest in serving in the military in the past decade, the Czech army stated on its website yesterday. During the same period, over 16,000 men and women were recruited as career soldiers and another 4,500 joined the active reserves.
- Prague Zoo is planning to raise admission prices in the near future. While it now costs CZK 250 for an adult’s ticket at the zoo’s box office, that price is now set to climb to CZK 330. It will be CZK 300 if tickets are purchased online.
- The leading Czech communist-era dissident Dana Němcová has died at the age of 89. She was an early signatory of the Charter 77 human rights document. She also co-founded the Committee for the Defence of the Unjustly Prosecuted, which provided assistance to the victims of communist repression.
- The Czech Ministry of Finance is set to close 77 of the country’s 201 tax offices from July this year. Some 56 of the branches set for closure are already working in a limited mode.
Starting in 2024, new restrictions will apply to some powerful types of electric scooters, requiring them to carry liability insurance and registration plates.
This is in accordance with the European Parliament and Council Motor Directive 2021/2118.
According to a Czech Insurance Association poll, 63% of Czechs would welcome registration plates.
The new law will apply to electric scooters having an electric motor capable of exceeding 25 kilometers per hour, weighing more than 25 kilograms, and traveling faster than 14 kilometers per hour.
“We believe it is very appropriate to define the obligation on powerful electric scooters with performance comparable to small motorcycles,” said Jan Matouek, Executive Director of the Insurance Association.
The goal is to establish compensation procedures in the case of accidents with robust electric scooters, which can have serious effects for property and health.
Paris ban
New rules in Brussels
Last summer, Brussels imposed new rules, including a 20 km/h speed limit on roads, an eight km/h limit on pedestrian areas, as well as a ban on riding on sidewalks.
This latter is a particularly crucial measure to protect the elderly and people with a vision and mobility impairment who choose their itinerary according to how freely they can walk on the sidewalks.
Other cities
Last year, Rome announced new measures to ban riders below 18, bring the maximum speed to 20 km per hour and cap the number of operators from seven to three.
Further north, Riga recently submitted a proposal to the Latvian parliament to allow e-scooter parking only in designated areas, to revoke or suspend the license of sharing services, set speed limits, and impose license plates for e-scooters.
To tackle unruly parking, the city of Helsinki is considering new rules that would impose parking of shared e-scooters on designated locations only, as is now the case for shared e-bikes.
Brno recently enforced new shared e-scooter parking regulations that resulted in fines for operators disobeying the law.
- Login
- Sign Up