Denmark – a small and beautiful kingdom located in Northern Europe, has consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world for many years. The secret to Danish happiness lies in various factors, from economic and social aspects to cultural influences. However, one of the lifestyle choices that makes Denmark a more livable place is its commitment to environmental friendliness.
Renewable energy, water management, and waste recycling are significant concerns for Denmark. The greenest country of 2020 according to Yale University rankings (USA) is a leader in almost every environmental health index.
The way Danes protect the environment is evident in their daily lives, everywhere you look. Below are images that illustrate why this country is among the most sustainable nations in the world.
1. A Danish supermarket selling expired food that is still safe for consumption
According to statistics, one-third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted. Food waste also contributes to climate change, as the production and distribution processes of food require a significant amount of energy and water.
To combat food waste, Denmark has opened the first supermarket selling expired or damaged packaging products at discounted prices. These supermarkets sell products collected at the end of the day from other stores that are still completely safe for use and much cheaper. By reducing the amount of food wasted, this supermarket has made an effective step towards combating climate change.
2. Copenhagen residents use bicycles more than cars
There are 675,000 bicycles and only 120,000 cars in the capital, Copenhagen.
Concerns about air pollution and climate change have made Copenhagen the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. With 9 out of 10 Danes owning a bicycle, it is no surprise that in 2018, there were 675,000 bicycles and only 120,000 cars in the capital. Thanks to an improved network of paths and bridges, Copenhagen is one of the safest places to ride a bike.
3. Denmark is home to the world’s first energy islands
Wind turbines in Denmark.
Energy islands are part of a project aimed at preventing the rise of global warming. These islands will harness energy from offshore winds. This is a significant step towards eliminating fossil fuel energy. Denmark’s energy islands will serve as a source of green energy, expected to produce energy for 5 million households.
4. Coffee in Denmark is sold in nearly 100% recyclable bags
Coffee bags that are 99% recyclable.
BKI Foods, a Danish company, is a prime example of developing new sustainable solutions. Their coffee bags are 99% recyclable.
While this change may be invisible to the naked eye, the material shift has reduced the plastic weight during production by 15%. Consequently, the carbon footprint in the production process has decreased by 23%. Most importantly for coffee lovers, the taste of the coffee remains unchanged.
5. A seaside complex with a seawater pool
The Harbor Bath seawater pool complex.
It seems that having a pool is an unnecessary excess for a country surrounded by the sea like Denmark. However, the good news is that pools can also be environmentally friendly. Harbor Bath is a seawater pool complex designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). Built from sustainable Swedish pine, this bathing complex can accommodate 650 guests and offers not only swimming but also two sauna rooms.
6. A farm powered entirely by wind energy produces 1,000 tons of food
A vertical farm powered 100% by wind energy.
Nordic Harvest, a Danish company, has created a world-first wind-powered farm. The entire facility is housed in a single building and produces about 1,000 tons of food annually, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
7. Recycled wind turbine blades used as bike shelters
Decommissioned wind turbine blades transformed into bike shelters.
Danes seem to highly value a zero-waste lifestyle. The city of Aalborg has found a new use for old wind turbine blades. Made from materials that are difficult to recycle, these turbine blades are not discarded but instead transformed into bike shelters.
The University of Strathclyde estimates that by 2050, there will be 2 million tons of wind turbine waste. Therefore, reusing them will reduce the demand for new steel and decrease the carbon emissions associated with concrete production.
