Why Sustainable Living?

The Nordic countries are considered to be global front-runners when it comes to creating sustainable societies. Although we get a lot of things right, big tasks lie ahead if we are to reach our vision to be the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030. Our massive private consumption impacts negatively on climate and biodiversity in the Nordics and globally. That is why choosing sustainable solutions must be made easier for citizens in the Nordic Region.

The Sustainable Living programme, running from 2021 through 2024, is a response to this challenge and a call to action. It has explored what a sustainable Nordic lifestyle entails and formulated concrete guidelines and tools for policy and business development. It has demonstrated public impact through the spread of information and inspiration, the development of new business areas that can be ecolabelled and the demonstration of necessary behavioural and cultural changes. The ultimate goal is to make it easier to live sustainably in the Nordic Region and to make sustainable choices the new norm. To enable this for the Nordic citizen, a holistic approach and joint effort is needed across policy, industry and civil society.

During the four-year programme period, six projects have explored our lifestyle challenges, representing a unique combination of perspectives and disciplines including education, culture, gender equality, food systems, youth engagement and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel as a tool for sustainable living and reduced climate impact.

In this Sustainable Living Hub, you can access all our projects’ resources in one place. From survey results and research reviews to practical guidelines, teaching materials, webinars, and policy recommendations. Browse through for a complete overview or dig into your core topic. Let's get into it!

Photo: Susanne Walström/imagebank.sweden.com