Tropicana May-June 2023 #148 The Passion Issue

MAY/JUNE 2023 SOJOURN
50
Germany
In terms of industrial sustainability, Germany
is one of the top nations. German businesses
are dedicated to both social responsibility
and lowering carbon emissions. By 2030,
the country aims to cut its greenhouse
gas emissions by more than 50 percent.
Germany is regarded as a leader in recycling
and waste management, and its success
can be attributed to two factors: solid
governmental regulations and high levels
of recycling awareness among the public.
Over 66 percent of Germany’s waste is
recycled, and the country has approximately
15,000 waste treatment facilities. The fact
that Germany has one of the highest waste
recovery rates in the world demonstrates
how the circular economy contributes
to the country’s sustainable economic
production by conserving basic materials
and primary energy. The country’s citizens
are also concerned about preserving the
environment. Their gardens are filled with
edible and non-edible plants, and many
community projects can be found all over
the country ranging from sustainability
workshops to forming large green spaces.
Denmark
In addition to being one of the more environmentally-friendly countries,
Denmark is also a world leader in the use of wind power. In fact, wind
turbines provide approximately half of the country’s total energy supply. Its
capital city, Copenhagen, has set a goal to be completely carbon neutral
by the year 2025. In Denmark, approximately half of the country’s energy
comes from renewable sources, while the country’s emissions from cars and
other vehicles have decreased thanks to its people’s increasing interest to
cycle instead of drive. Another interesting point is that Denmark has been
a country focused on agriculture and fishing for hundreds of years, and the
Danish people still feel connected to the land and water surrounding them.
This reverence for environment exemplifies why Denmark is a trailblazer in
promoting sustainability.