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Sweden has major sustainable credentials. Lonely Planet gave Gothenburg the title of the “World’s Most Sustainable City.” For years it has achieved status as the “World’s Most Sustainable Country.” And, it’s ecotourism sector has been applauded for how they manage tourists’ impact and introduce sustainable practices. The country has even raised one of the world’s leading environmentalist activists. So, while it might not be all of us might make it to the land of ABBA and IKEA, we can all learn a thing or two about how the Swedes are sustainable.
Here are a few reasons why Sweden is considered the world’s most sustainable country to travel to along with a few tips about how we can adopt their eco-focused lifestyle.
Social Sustainability Is A Top Priority
In an effort to help adapt citizens to climate change and make better use of their resources, Sweden focuses on individuals from all parts of society. Initiatives like urban farms and bike shares near affordable housing, offer residents from various economic backgrounds opportunities to engage in healthy and eco-friendly activities.
Tip: More often than not the effects of climate change affect the most vulnerable parts of the population- those without funds to relocate, transportation or health service. You can join nonprofit organizations like CARE, which help to educate and advocate for marginalized communities affected by climate change or petition your government to put better initiatives in place for social sustainability.
Most Swedes Use Renewable Energy
More than 50% of Swedes use renewable energy with water being one of the main sources. By 2040, the government aims to increase the use of renewable electric production to 100%. As a country bordered by the Gulf of Bothnia, the Baltic Sea and flowing with more than 100 rivers, hydropower is a plentiful renewable resource. These aggressive plans to switch to renewables, makes Sweden’s carbon emissions one of the lowest in the world when compared to its energy use. Even as one of the world’s largest energy consumers, the average Swede still emits four times less CO2 yearly than the average American.
Tip: Make your own switch to renewable energy. There are companies like Inspire who will help you find clean energy suppliers in your area.
Electric Public Transport Is Popular
The world’s most sustainable country focuses on reducing carbon emissions by making public transport electric. Throughout the small country, several cities have adopted (and are continuing to adopt) emission-free electric buses. Brands like Volvo have stated that their buses use 80% less energy than standard diesel ones.
Tip: Skip the car if you live or are traveling to a city. Ride a bike. Walk. Or, take public transport.
Sweden Has An Eco Tourism Board
It makes sense that one of the most sustainable countries in the world would have its own ecotourism charter. Following Australia, Sweden was the second country in the world to do so. Through this board, eco-friendly trips can be planned. Sweden has also set up several certifications that help travelers verify that they’re making a positive contribution to the environment when visiting.
Nature’s Best: This list of pre-approved tours and travel experiences meet Sweden’s strict standards for eco-tourism. Guides are trained to help tourists respect their environment preserve nature, reduce waste and minimize their impact.
Green Hotels Are Plentiful
There are more than 250 hotels in Sweden that have met the strict requirements of the Nordic-Eco Label. This license is acquired by meeting the criteria for sustainable initiatives in several areas such as the building’s energy use, waste management, food sources, water use, transportation and suppliers.
There Are Tons Of Eco-Friendly Labels
Eco-labels aren’t just reserved for hotels or travel tours. Sweden offers residents and tourists easy ways to know just how eco-friendly their purchases are too. If you’d like to shop organic, environmentally and ethically farmed produce reach for the KRAV label. Or, stock up on natural beauty products that have the Natrue-label. There are more than 50 labels across various industries that verify the sustainable and humane ways products have been produced.
Read more about sustainable cities and travel:
How Will The U.S Make Travel Sustainable?