When you work in sustainability, it’s hard to turn off your “green radar”—especially when you travel. Every transportation choice, every hotel stay, every meal is an opportunity to observe how the world is changing (or not) when it comes to sustainability. Recently, we at Veerless had the opportunity to travel through Scandinavia—Marcy to Norway and Kristen to Finland. While our trips had different purposes, we returned inspired by the same thing: a clear, thoughtful commitment to sustainability woven into the fabric of daily life and travel in this part of the world.
Marcy’s Experience: Cruising the Norwegian Coast the Sustainable Way
Norway has long been a global leader in renewable energy and environmental policy, so it was no surprise that sustainability is a pillar of the country’s travel infrastructure. I had the pleasure of sailing with Havila Voyages, a Norwegian ferry and cruise line that’s been called one of the most sustainable in the world—and rightfully so.
Havila’s ships are powered by a hybrid system, using both LNG (liquefied natural gas) and the world’s largest battery packs for maritime use. This allows the ships to sail silently and emission-free through some of Norway’s most delicate fjords for up to four hours at a time. The design of the ships minimizes fuel consumption, and even the food onboard is sourced with sustainability in mind—local, seasonal, and often plant-forward.
The journey was breathtaking, not just because of the views, but because it offered a tangible example of how innovation in travel can align with environmental responsibility. This isn’t just a cruise—it’s a movement.
Kristen’s Experience: A Sustainable Snapshot of Finnish Life
While Marcy cruised through fjords, I was cheering on my daughter and her teammates at the IIHF World Hockey Championship in Vantaa, Finland. What struck me was how naturally sustainability is integrated into Finnish life—not as a trend, but as a norm.
Finland is a leader in clean energy, with over 90% of its power sourced from low-carbon or renewable resources. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the country not only celebrates its natural resources but also adapts to its seasons. Even in the cold, dark winter, people embraced the outdoors, walking everywhere as the chill was something to accommodate, not avoid. Hotels featured digital check-ins and eco-friendly toiletries, while most restaurants focused on locally sourced meals and minimizing waste. Homes made efficient use of space, with multifunctional designs that reflected a minimalist mindset, where simplicity was as much a practical choice as an aesthetic one.
Even the tournament venue was a showcase in sustainability—efficient energy use, water-saving features, and clear waste sorting bins were standard. Finland’s commitment isn’t flashy, but it is profound. It’s a country where sustainable choices don’t feel like sacrifices; they feel like smart living.
The Global Ripple Effect in Sustainable Travel
Scandinavia is leading by example, but the ripple effects are visible globally. Airlines are investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hotels are aiming for carbon neutrality, and more travelers are demanding eco-certified options. Companies like Havila are proof that sustainability isn’t a barrier to luxury—it’s an evolution of it.
The good news is that you don’t have to travel to Norway or Finland to be part of the change. You can integrate sustainability into your travel choices, no matter where you go.
How You Can Travel More Sustainably
- Choose Eco-Friendly Transportation: Look for electric trains, hybrid buses, or cruise lines like Havila that are innovating on clean energy.
- Stay at Certified Green Hotels: Look for certifications like Green Key, LEED, or EarthCheck.
- Eat Local and Seasonal: Support local farmers and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
- Offset Your Carbon Footprint: Many airlines and travel sites now offer carbon offset options at checkout.
- Pack Light & Smart: Fewer bags = lower fuel consumption. Bring a reusable water bottle, utensils, and shopping bag.
- Research Before You Book: Platforms like Ecotourism.org, Sustainable Travel International, and Green Pearls can guide your choices.
Travel has the power to connect us—to people, to cultures, and to our shared responsibility to the planet. What we saw in Scandinavia isn’t just a glimpse into the future of travel—it’s a call to action.
Wherever your next adventure takes you, let it be a journey that supports the world you want to return to.