SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Tourists save money – by picking up trash

Clean the channel from trash and rent a boat for free. It's an offer to tourists that was launched in Copenhagen earlier in July. We know that we can't save the whole world, but this is a way to contribute, says Julie Overgaard at Goboat.

» Updated: 19 September 2024, 19:08

» Published: 28 July 2024

Tourists save money – by picking up trash
Photo: Cornelia Mikaelsson/TT

Clean the channel from trash and rent a boat for free. This is an offer to tourists that was launched in Copenhagen earlier in July.

We know that we can't save the whole world, but this is a way to contribute, says Julie Overgaard at Goboat.

Two boats with 14 tourists equipped with nets have just set out in Copenhagen's canal to catch trash.

As a thank you, they get to borrow the boat for free for an hour, which would otherwise cost around 900 Swedish kronor.

The interest seems enormous. We have fully booked the week and I've noticed that there are more and more foreign names in the booking system, said Overgaard earlier in July.

The initiative is part of Copenpay, a concept developed by Copenhagen's official tourist agency, which rewards tourists who choose sustainable alternatives.

Previously, we've given nets to children and appointed them as trash pirates when they come back with trash, but this is the first time we're offering free rental as a thank you for the help, says Overgaard.

Handling mass tourism

Aline Almedia from Brazil and Robert Nally from Ireland are two tourists who have taken up the idea. After an hour at sea, they've managed to fill two bags with, among other things, paper cups and plastic.

I read about it on Instagram and thought it was a fantastic idea. Copenhagen is also an expensive city, so there was nothing speaking against it, says Aline Almedia.

Robert Nally agrees and compares Copenhagen to Barcelona, where tourists have become increasingly unpopular among certain groups.

I know that locals have been tired of mass tourism, but then I think this is a much better way to tackle the problem.

Critical locals

The district of Islands Brygge, where the boat rental is located, is far from spared from loud parties and trash during the summer. Copenhageners have previously worried about glass shards that dogs can step on and trash that risks ending up in the canal.

It's become increasingly trashy and messy during the summer months, says Kim Baden Kristensen, who has lived in the area for 15 years.

But according to him, you can't solely blame the tourists.

Many Danes from the outskirts of Copenhagen come. I think they litter the most, but if the tourists think it's fun to clean the canal, that's fantastic.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

4,000 to Leave the Car Giant
1 MIN READ

4,000 to Leave the Car Giant

The VW Union Takes a Stand Against Factory Closures
1 MIN READ

The VW Union Takes a Stand Against Factory Closures

Slovakian Nuclear Power Plant Plan Approved
1 MIN READ

Slovakian Nuclear Power Plant Plan Approved

Giant boost for Turkish minimum wages on the way
1 MIN READ

Giant boost for Turkish minimum wages on the way

6 MIN READ

Reduced risk of power crisis in winter
1 MIN READ

Reduced risk of power crisis in winter

Trump's Minister Paves the Way for Quick Tariff Decision
3 MIN READ

Trump's Minister Paves the Way for Quick Tariff Decision

Tough times for Chinese car giant
1 MIN READ

Tough times for Chinese car giant

Double rate cut of Icelandic interest rate
1 MIN READ

Double rate cut of Icelandic interest rate

Upturn on the stock market – in line with the rest of the world
1 MIN READ

Upturn on the stock market – in line with the rest of the world

The Gaming Company's Stock Soars - Confirms Purchase Inquiry
1 MIN READ

The Gaming Company's Stock Soars - Confirms Purchase Inquiry

Japan Sets Tourist Record - Attracts increasing number of tourists
1 MIN READ

Japan Sets Tourist Record - Attracts increasing number of tourists

Denmark's economy is picking up.
1 MIN READ

Denmark's economy is picking up.

Unexpectedly high inflation in the UK
1 MIN READ

Unexpectedly high inflation in the UK

FI wants to see strengthened protection of financial companies
1 MIN READ

FI wants to see strengthened protection of financial companies

It is clear that the company's stock price has been driven by the strong demand for its products, the global AI boom.
2 MIN READ

It is clear that the company's stock price has been driven by the strong demand for its products, the global AI boom.

The Housing Market is Cooling Down - Fewer New Homes
2 MIN READ

The Housing Market is Cooling Down - Fewer New Homes

Smooth in China - Gloomy in Japan
1 MIN READ

Smooth in China - Gloomy in Japan

Record-high fee increases burden households
2 MIN READ

Record-high fee increases burden households

Most Up on Wall Street
1 MIN READ

Most Up on Wall Street