Denmark is the happiest country in the world , according to the World Happiness study presented by the United Nations, and curiously, its lifestyle is very eco-friendly. In this post we are going to highlight some of the main aspects that characterize this Danish modus vivendi that is becoming a trend.
In this study, carried out by the Earth Institute of Columbia University in New York, different criteria are taken into account. Among them, the fact that the capital, Copenhagen, is considered one of the most livable cities. But what makes Denmark, and in particular Copenhagen, that place that we could call Copenhagen? Many of the influencing factors are related to the good feelings that the practice of “hygge” provides, the secret of Danish happiness.
Index
Wealth, comfort and ecology
In order to understand what distinguishes the Danes, in effect, we have to address the concept known as ” hygge “, a wildcard term that can be applied to a myriad of everyday situations in which the maxim is to feel good without haste, making the most of the little ones things.
In other words, it is about enjoying what is within our reach, leaving aside the voracious consumerism that characterizes modern societies. In this case, a high quality of life is achieved without the need to fall into compulsive shopping.
Of course, in addition to this interesting approach, we must highlight the context of wealth in which this philosophy is put into practice. The truth is that in Denmark, as is well known, the comfort that good houses provide is not lacking, and one enjoys an enviable state of well-being.
Unemployment rates are very low and social inequalities are also very small. Therefore, it is a low- conflict society in this regard . The big difference between the inhabitants of Copenhagen and Danes in general and other countries that also meet a less consumerist and more authentic profile is in their greater wealth.
Logically, it is not the same to have an anti-consumer culture even with its population having significant economic stability than to have to resort to a simple life out of sheer obligation, always yearning for that consumerism, seen as a substantial improvement.
With everything and that, it cannot be denied that the Danish social culture based on the aforementioned concept makes a big difference, and its ecological side makes it an interesting example to follow.
Above all, in order to advance in the transition towards a low-carbon society, without for this reason having to give up a quality of life. Aspects such as enjoying a cozy atmosphere at home, the center of life, can become moments of enjoyment of the soul that also come in handy to the planet.
Winters are long and harsh there, and being warm by the fireplace enjoying an infusion or other hot drink is synonymous with energy efficiency and a low carbon footprint.
It is not a perfect plan from an ecological approach , it is true, but even being far from a neutral footprint, as an alternative to pulling a car, shopping or the like, there is no doubt that it has clear green advantages.
Nature inside the house
The fact of being home and nature lovers makes the houses ideal spaces for indoor plants. With this, it is possible to create a welcoming, more natural and, therefore, relaxing environment. However, variegation does not match this philosophy of life, neither when decorating the house nor in terms of accumulating objects in it, including plants. Order and minimalist style are sought, always prioritizing practicality.
Elements of the forest , such as nuts, leaves or branches can serve as decorative elements and, on the other hand, lighting by candles and contact with elements that transmit well-being such as ceramics, wood or glass are preferred to plastic or others. artificial products.
Other eco-friendly features of hygge
Sustainable mobility is another plus of this philosophy of life made in Denmark. Bicycles are a widely used mode of transport, currently accounting for a third of all trips in Copenhagen.
Crafts and, why not, creative recycling , also enter into that Danish preference for sharing and leading a quiet life, in which the rush does not take control. More than doing it alone, it is about doing it in company, sharing unique moments and, of course, also a more eco-friendly way of living.
Filling leisure time with informal activities is a constant between friends or family, in which the important thing is being, rather than having or looking. It sounds very philosophical, but in essence it is about that, living life in a non-materialistic way, enjoying the most everyday little details.
Conclusions
Finally, in the same line of a calm life , one escapes from noise, another type of pollution. A series of questions that, in short, make up a slow way of life. Reading by candlelight with a cup of tea is a beautiful way to exemplify, in short, the importance of playing with aromas, colors and lighting to find an alternative to such fast-paced, not very ecological ways of life . nothing healthy and lack of soul that we spend in other places.
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