Denmark ranks third globally for progress towards the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals; it’s the ideal destination for a sustainable exchange. Conscious of the environmental impact of my initial flight, I chose to spend my exchange locally, exploring Copenhagen instead of travelling throughout Europe. Rather than flying to ski resorts or beaches, I discovered ways to replicate these experiences close to home.
This acrostic highlights my favourite spots in the city, along with the sustainable features I noticed in each:
C – CopenHill
A clean waste to energy plant that doubles as a ski slope, (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy) CopenHill works towards Copenhagen’s goal of carbon neutrality (SDG 13: Climate Action) whilst providing city dwellers with an outdoor adventure site. I opted to ski here rather than travel abroad: https://www.copenhill.dk/en
O – ØsterGRO Rooftop Farm
This urban farm grows local produce on a disused rooftop and runs a zero-waste restaurant. It inspired me to shop locally rather than at larger supermarkets (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).
P – Paper Island
Once an industrial zone, Paper Island is now a residential area and an ideal place to relax in the summer months. It’s a great example of repurposing otherwise wasted urban space (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
E – Eco Eats (Reffen)
An affordable student friendly food spot, Reffen houses the largest street food market in Northern Europe. Stalls are made from reused shipping containers and biodegradable materials are mandatory. Small businesses are able to launch in a low risk, low-cost manner (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic growth).
N – Nørreport Station
I never once felt the need to Uber in Copenhagen. Denmark’s busiest transit hub shows how well designed public transport can reduce reliance on cars (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities). It’s easy to navigate and bike friendly!
H – Harbour Baths
Cold dipping is a wellness movement supported by the council through free, clean swim spots (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being). I found locations easily using the Copenhagen Harbour app: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/kbh-havn/id6449095477
A – Amager Strandpark
This park is protected, a reserve for nature to support biodiversity (SDG 15: Life on Land). It’s free for all and easily accessible, with a host of fitness zones and community hubs (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).
G – Green Kayak
My friends and I often rented paddle boats for free, in exchange for collecting waste from the city’s harbour (SDG 14: Life Below Water). The initiative has since spread across Europe (SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals). Boats can be booked here: https://www.greenkayak.org/
E – Ethical Shopping
Copenhagen is full of second-hand markets. Instead of purchasing fast fashion, I explored places like Vera’s Market for more sustainable shopping (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption & Production). Flea market calendar: https://oplevelser-i-koebenhavn.dk/loppemarkeder-koebenhavn/
N – Navigation (Cycling)
Cycling is very popular in Copenhagen. With 388 km of bike lanes and over 750,000 bikes, you can travel almost anywhere sustainably (SDG 13: Climate Action). I often used Donkey Republic rentals: https://www.donkey.bike/how-to-ride
