If you’re of the environmentally friendly persuasion, then a road trip in Scandinavia is the experience for you. The stunning scenery of seven-odd countries that make up the region is something that locals have sought to protect; as Sweden.se highlights, countries in the region consistently feature near the top of rankings lists as it concerns key environmental indicators, such as air quality and environmental sustainability. Enjoying Scandinavia by road – the eco-friendly way
It follows that visitors to the region should make every effort that they can to help protect this natural environment themselves, something which is absolutely achievable with a commitment to lowering your carbon footprint and waste. It starts with a car.
Traveling on the road
As Forbes highlights, the wildest parts of Scandinavia are difficult to get to via public transport. You can absolutely find towns and cities to act as a final stop before going to wilderness areas, but you’ll need your own vehicle past there. For that purpose, electric cars are ideal, but given the remoteness it’s reasonable to ask how to charge an electric car on a road trip in Scandinavia. The Scandinavian countries are leaders on this, too. According to Mer.eco, Norway, Sweden and Finland have led the way in electric car charging, providing plentiful spots across the country at rates that are very fair to the pocket. As a result, you’ll find yourself actively encouraged to drive electric.
Keeping it seasonal
People all over the world may have heard of the Nordic Diet, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, is something of a fad but nevertheless a relatively healthy way to eat. In much of Scandinavia, this is simply how people eat, and there’s a big focus on seasonality. You eat the produce that’s available at that time of year or, alternatively, produce that has been cured and pickled in order to be fresh later on in the year – like smoked salmon. Seasonal eating is another powerful way to help the planet while traveling, so consider keeping your eating local. You’ll enjoy your food more this way, and enjoy a truly Scandinavian diet.
Minimizing waste
Scandinavia is well known for its progressive approach to waste. Whereas it’s a myth that 99% of everything in countries like Sweden is recycled, according to Treehugger, there is nevertheless a much more low-waste and recycling-friendly approach to daily life, and a social climate that puts a lot of credence in being responsible with your trash. With that in mind, use reusable tools and equipment when you’re out on the road or in the city, and prioritize stores and eateries that use reusable or biodegradable packaging. There’s plenty around, and doing your extra bit to help these countries stay clean is a big gesture.
Enjoying the Scandinavian life is one of the big pulls of heading over to Northern Europe, and it’s also a very environmentally sound way of living. Do something for the planet, and for Scandinavia, by acting in the best interests of everything around you and the natural environment.
Enjoying Scandinavia By Road – The Eco-Friendly Way, written exclusively for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back. She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.
Other articles by Karoline Gore you might like to read:
Enjoy a Family Fishing Adventure in Sweden
Why There Is No Plan B for Sweden’s Bee Population
Labradorite From Norway: A True Scandinavian Treasure