Copenhagen is Rewarding People for Picking up Litter

Copenhagen is a beautiful city that attracts large amounts of tourists, especially during the summer.  While tourism is great for the economy, it also takes an environmental toll. Now tourists who participate in green activities like picking up litter, using public transport, or biking around the city will be rewarded with food and activities, reported the BBC.

This initiative, called CopenPay, that was designed to help alleviate the environmental costs of tourism is being trialed this summer. It began on July 15 and will run through August 11.

About CopenPay
The initiative was introduced by Copenhagen’s official tourism organization to get tourists to act more sustainable, according to the Wonderful Copenhagen website. While many tourists express the desire for eco-friendly travel, very few have changed their behavior.

CopenPay wants to help bridge the gap by rewarding green actions that include participating in clean-ups or volunteering at an urban farm with tangible rewards.

The project is trust-based, reported BBC, so it is unlikely that the venues will ask for proof but some may request a photo of you doing a green activity or a train ticket.

While the largest environmental cost is the transportation to Copenhagen, especially if you fly or drive, the tourist board’s communications chief Rikke Holm Petersen told BBC. “One of the things we can change is getting people to act more sustainably at the destination,” she said.

She anticipates that only a small number of visitors will participate in the initiative. Othy Jasper, a 25-year-old Londoner who will be traveling to Copenhagen for work in August said, “it’s cool they’re doing something for the climate,” but added that he would be unlikely to spend time collecting litter for a small reward.

CopenPay participants
There are 24 participants in the pilot program, reported Forbes, including museums, culinary venues, and urban experiences for tourists to participate in.

While there are several places offering free ice cream or coffee for taking public transport there are other experiences that are related to Danish culture. Visitors to the National Gallery who bring plastic waste can participate in a workshop to turn the trash into a piece of art.

Tourists can help care for the gardens at the Blixen Museum for free admission. There are free tours at the Cisternerne underground art hall, if you walk or bike to the venue. Other highlights are a free kayak rental for picking up litter and a free vegetarian lunch for volunteering at an urban farm.

While none of these activities will make a huge impact on the environment, it will change people’s mindset and that may be the most important souvenir tourists can bring home from their vacation.