Sustainable Living in Copenhagen: 5 Tips Guide

Published on 27 July 2023 6 min read

Adopt a bike-friendly lifestyle
Embrace local and organic food shops
Participate in community gardens
Utilize public transportation and car share services
Involve in sustainable events and activities

Picture this: You're living in one of the greenest cities on the planet, Copenhagen. The city is a shining beacon of sustainability, and you want to do your part. But where do you start? It's easier than you might think. In this guide, we'll explore five simple ways you can adopt a more sustainable lifestyle in Copenhagen, right from your daily habits to the events you participate in. So, let's dive in and discover the joy of sustainable living in Copenhagen.

Adopt a bike-friendly lifestyle

One of the coolest things about Copenhagen is its love for bicycles. Not only is cycling a fun and healthy activity, but it's also a big win for the environment! By choosing to bike instead of driving a car, you're helping to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. So, how can you embrace this bike-friendly culture as part of your sustainable living in Copenhagen journey?

Choose Your Bike Wisely

Start by picking the right bicycle for your needs. City bikes are popular for short trips, while touring bikes can handle longer journeys. Bike shops like Baisikeli or Recycles offer a wide range of used bikes — a green choice that saves resources and reduces waste. If you're feeling adventurous, you might even consider an electric bike for those hillier routes or rainy days.

Learn the Rules of the Road

Copenhagen has a well-developed network of bike lanes, but it's important to know the rules before you hop on your bike. Remember to keep to the right, use hand signals when turning, and always have your lights on after dark. With a bit of practice, you'll be cycling like a true Dane in no time.

Make Cycling Part of Your Daily Routine

Sustainable living is all about making small changes that add up over time. Try biking to work, school, or the grocery store instead of driving. Not only will you help make Copenhagen a greener city, but you'll also get to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of your neighborhood in a whole new way.

Adopting a bike-friendly lifestyle is a fun and easy step towards sustainable living in Copenhagen. So go ahead, take a deep breath of that fresh Danish air, and pedal your way towards a greener future!

Embrace local and organic food shops

Another great way to practice sustainable living in Copenhagen is by supporting local and organic food shops. This not only helps to reduce your carbon footprint but also supports local farmers and businesses. Furthermore, organic foods are grown using methods that reduce pollution and conserve water, making it a win-win situation for you and the planet. But how do you get started?

Discover Your Local Farmers' Market

One of the best ways to find fresh, local, and organic produce in Copenhagen is to visit a farmers' market. Torvehallerne, for instance, is a bustling market in the heart of the city that offers a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and other organic products. You can also check out the Østerbro Farmers' Market or the Frederiksberg Farmers' Market. Shopping at these markets helps to support local farmers and reduce food miles — the distance food travels from farm to your plate.

Try Out Organic Food Shops

If you prefer shopping in a store, Copenhagen has plenty of organic food shops to choose from. Irma, for example, is a Danish supermarket chain that prioritizes organic and local products. Another great place to shop is Fødevarefællesskabet, a food co-op where you can buy a wide range of organic foods directly from producers.

Cook With Seasonal Ingredients

One of the simplest and most delicious ways to live sustainably is to cook with seasonal ingredients. Not only does this guarantee that your food is at its freshest and most flavorful, but it also reduces the energy used to grow and transport food. So why not try making a traditional Danish dish like stegt flæsk with fresh, seasonal ingredients from your local market?

Embracing local and organic food shops is a fantastic way to contribute to sustainable living in Copenhagen. It's about savoring the flavor of fresh, seasonal food and knowing that every bite is helping to make a difference. Bon appétit!

Participate in community gardens

Another delightful aspect of sustainable living in Copenhagen is the city's vibrant community garden scene. From the heart of Nørrebro to the peaceful suburb of Frederiksberg, community gardens have sprung up in neighborhoods across the city, providing green spaces for residents to grow their own food, connect with nature, and strengthen their communities.

Get Your Hands Dirty

Participating in a community garden isn't just about growing your own tomatoes (though that's definitely a perk!). It's also about learning new skills, making friends, and contributing to a greener city. Try planting some traditional Danish vegetables like kål (cabbage) or gulerødder (carrots), or branch out with some more exotic crops. You'll be amazed at what you can grow!

Find Your Local Garden

Not sure where to start? There are hundreds of community gardens in Copenhagen, each with its own unique character. Some, like the Prags Boulevard Garden, are located in bustling urban neighborhoods, while others, like the Amager Fælled Community Garden, offer more peace and quiet. Do a little exploring to find a garden that feels like home.

Join a Workshop or Event

Many community gardens in Copenhagen host workshops and events for their members, ranging from composting seminars to harvest festivals. This is a great way to learn more about sustainable gardening practices and get involved in your community. Plus, who doesn't love a good garden party?

Participating in a community garden is a wholesome and rewarding way to get involved in sustainable living in Copenhagen. It's about planting the seeds for a greener future — and watching them grow.

One of the keys to sustainable living in Copenhagen — and in any city, for that matter — is to make smart transportation choices. Thankfully, the Danish capital is well-equipped with a range of public transportation options and car share services that make it easy to get around without relying on personal cars.

Master the Metro

The Copenhagen Metro is a quick, clean, and efficient way to navigate the city. With four lines spanning the city and surrounding areas, you can reach almost any destination with ease. Plus, it runs 24/7, so you can catch that late-night movie or early morning flight without a hitch!

Bus and Tram Networks

For a more scenic route, consider the city's extensive bus and tram networks. Whether you're commuting to work or exploring new neighborhoods, these services provide a reliable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. And remember, always validate your ticket to avoid a hefty fine!

If you occasionally need a car but don't want to own one, car share services like GreenMobility or ShareNow might be your answer. These services allow you to rent a car for a few hours or a whole day, giving you the flexibility of a personal vehicle without the environmental impact of ownership.

By utilizing public transportation and car share services, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable Copenhagen. After all, every little bit helps when it comes to saving our planet!

Involve in sustainable events and activities

One of the best ways to embrace sustainable living in Copenhagen is to participate in the many events and activities around the city that promote sustainability. From festivals to workshops, there's always something happening that can help you live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Join Sustainability Festivals

Each year, Copenhagen hosts a range of festivals focused on promoting sustainability. For instance, the Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival emphasizes locally-sourced and organic food. By attending these events, you not only have a great time but also get to learn more about sustainable practices and meet like-minded individuals.

Attend Workshops and Lectures

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to sustainable living. There are numerous workshops and lectures throughout the year in Copenhagen that can help you understand more about sustainability. Whether it's learning about waste management or renewable energy, these events can provide valuable insights for your journey towards sustainability.

Partake in Green Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to the community while also promoting sustainability. There are numerous opportunities around Copenhagen, from cleaning up local parks to helping at community gardens. It's a rewarding experience that can make a real difference in the pursuit of sustainable living in Copenhagen.

Getting involved in sustainable events and activities is not only good for the environment, but it's also good for you. It provides opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

If you enjoyed learning about sustainable living in Copenhagen and want to explore the concept of sustainability in your career, check out the workshop 'How to Create a Sustainable Career' by Chase Coy. This workshop will provide valuable insights on how to build a career that is both fulfilling and environmentally responsible.