A Sustainable Danish Solution
It is clear to us all, and acknowledged by most, that we find ourselves ever more in need of sustainable solutions to our way of life. Essential Journal’s own Molly Bluett travelled to Copenhagen to experience their own unique model for sustainable living.
When booking my first solo trip I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, but not so far as to feel like a fish out of water! So I made sure to consider accessible public transport and potential activities I could enjoy during my trip. Which is why Copenhagen came straight to mind – a place renowned for its dedication to green living. Their latest initiative, CopenPay, is a game-changer for anyone passionate about sustainability and adventure.
‘CopenPay’ is an innovative project that turns eco-friendly actions into tangible rewards for the public. From free museum entries to complimentary lunches and kayak tours, the incentives allow an extra sense of adventure when exploring the city. Getting involved couldn’t have been simpler. All you have to do is participate in sustainable activities like cycling, using public transportation, or collecting plastic waste.
It’s all about helping to maintain the city. With cycling being almost a way of life in Copenhagen, I felt that was a good place to start. Not only did I contribute to reducing traffic and emissions in my own personal way, but I also got to experience the city’s picturesque streets. Plus, the reward? A free ski down the iconic Copenhill heating plant. Showing proof of my eco-friendly behaviour was as simple as snapping a photo of my bike ride and presenting it on my arrival.
Next on my list was helping out with a harbour clean-up, unfortunately for me the weather wasn’t on my side and I didn’t fancy using my free kayak trip, considering I was already three layers of clothing deep and still freezing! But it was still an eye-opening experience to see the direct impact of our efforts on the environment. The trust-based nature of CopenPay – showing a photo or a train ticket as proof of your actions – truly embodies the high trust society of Denmark.
One of my most memorable experiences was participating in urban gardening. Taking advantage of the first sunny afternoon I had, I got involved with a local garden project, planting flowers and vegetables, meeting locals and fellow travellers who shared a common goal – to make Copenhagen even greener. The sense of community was palpable as we finished off the day enjoying the foods we had each taken part in planting.
CopenPay isn’t just about encouraging sustainable transport and waste reduction. It is also about enriching cultural experiences and fostering a sense of community around environmental responsibility. It’s no surprise that Copenhagen ranks as the third most sustainable destination globally, according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index.
The success of CopenPay is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local attractions and residents. By turning green actions into a form of currency, Copenhagen has demonstrated a creative and effective way to incentivise sustainable living amongst the community and its frequent visitors. It’s a model that has great potential for expansion, inspiring other cities around the world to follow suit.
In transforming sustainability into an engaging and rewarding activity, Copenhagen has set a remarkable example for cities aiming to balance environmental responsibility with cultural and social enrichment. For any luxury traveller with a green conscience, CopenPay offers a perfect blend of eco-friendly practices and travel experiences.
So, if you find yourself in Copenhagen this year, don’t miss the chance to participate in CopenPay. It’s more than just a program – it’s a journey towards a greener, more connected world.
