Denmark and the EnvironmentDenmark has a reputation for being environmentally friendly and forward thinking when it comes to the environment. They are pioneers in wind power and have a very good transportation infrastructure. But there are lots of ugly truths about Denmark's environmental prowness that are not always discussed and the country has lots of environmental problems which are not addressed, but swept under the carpet. These are my personal viewpoints and you are welcome to disagree. Being a person who believes in being eco friendly - but not an eco activist, I have seen some things that just don't gel with the whole environmental friendly image.
But there are also some very positive things going on as can be seen in the video below.
LitteringLittering is a MAJOR problem in Denmark, but most Danes do not believe it is. When people visit Denmark, they often remark how clean the streets are and how sparkling everything looks.Well that may be the case, but it is only because there are hundeds of people hired to constantly clean up the streets. Danes do not think that throwing trash on the ground is wrong. When a recent survery was done, people would remark: "If I throw trash on the ground, it will give a person a job cleaning it up. I am helping someone keep their job!" Now, you would think that is just one nut thinking that, but I have met lots of Danes who think exactly the same way. Excess ProductsAnother issue, which I have seen first hand on many occaisions and it is quite disturbing, is that many companies will actually destroy extra product or goods which are slightly flawed instead of reducing the price and selling them on.Without naming companies (do not wished to be sued for slander), one top name clothier actually shreds clothes which are more than 3 seasons old instead of reducing the price or selling them to a wholesaler who could liquidate them. Last year the company shredded over 3 million kroner in clothes, shoes, jackets and than later that year had to lay off much of his staff due to cash flow! Duh, they just threw away. P.S. Just recently found out that the company has closed several of their warehouses, due to financial woes. Wonder how much income could have come from all those shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories that were destroyed? How eco friendly is that? Another company that specializes in home and garden, will actually throw away products that have slight damage (box broken or damaged, scratches, blemishes, etc.)but are in perfect working order. Worked for them for a few months and everyday was throwing away perfectly good products instead of discounting them and selling to people who do not mind getting a discount on an item that has only cosmetic damage. This practice seems to go on all over Denmark. Do not know if it some law or that these companies just want to protect their image, but it is such a waste. "Let's Talk Rubbish!"For nearly 20 years I have teaching children and parents how to make environmental differences in their own lives. This was way before "global warming", "CO2 concerns" and "greenhouse gases", so I hope I have a difference in the lives of the people I have met in these programs.If you would like to learn some simple, but effective ways to reduce your own impact on this planet without the political ramblings and doomsday predictions, pick up a copy of "Let's Talk Rubbish!", which has hundreds of tips and ideas on things you and your family can do to make some simple eco changes in your lives. Includes tips for at home, at school, at work, green shopping, gardening, home made cleaning products and much more. All for the low price of only $2.95. It will be delivered as an ebook. Even includes a fun environmentally friendly magic trick you can play with your children.
Lastest Trash News!It is always hurts to read how people treat their own homes as trash cans. A recent study in Denmark has shown that nearly 40 percent of the Danish population litter on a consistant basis. Including throwing ice cream sticks, pizza boxes, plastic bags, cigarette butts and bottles in their national parks, beaches and on the street.Even though local kommunes have had to increase their budgets to fight this problem and clean it up, the Danes seem to be ignoring the problem and making more and more of an unsitely mess. These problems are so evident if you walk along the beach in the early evening when people are leaving to go home. The beaches are just littered with all sorts of rubbish. WHY? I do not know. It is so simple to just take your trash home with you and deposit it in a trash container or recycle it. Another major problem is with the many outdoor events, concerts, plays, sporting events, etc. where people people leave everything from oridinary trash to discarded tents, sleeping bags, coolers, clothes, etc.. In these times of financial problems for everyone, including the government run agencies, it would seem illogical to create more problems and financial strains. It will all have to be paid for by the citizens. For a country that is touted to be so "GREEN", the truth is nothing short of shocking! And the sad part is, that if you ask someone to pick up their trash, they will either yell at you, hit you and insult you by throwing even more trash down! And I have seen it all happen many a time, since I am not one to stand by and watch others litter. Seldom do I get a positive reaction to politely asking people to pick up their trash. Maybe being "green" in Denmark is more talk than action? Your views are welcome, but this is definetely a problem that needs to be dealt with. Please feel free to comment on this subjectDo you have a helpful tip on this subject that you would like to share? Please leave comments below.
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