During the summer months, there are tangible benefits to choosing sustainable transportation methods or collecting plastic waste in Copenhagen. The Danish capital has launched a pilot project called “CopenPay,” organized by Wonderful Copenhagen, where green initiatives can be exchanged for cultural experiences. This initiative will last until August 11 and has already proven popular among tourists.

The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) has received many foreign visitors who participated in a free workshop after depositing collected waste at the entrance. “We have been surprised by the global attention that the project has attracted,” says Marie-Louise Dunker Nielsen, the museum’s deputy director. International media outlets such as The New York Times and CNN have covered the project, generating further interest. “A family from Slovenia contacted us to ask if they could participate after reading about the initiative.”

Copenhagen Museum (Københavns Museum) is also participating in “CopenPay.” Here, environmentally-friendly visits are rewarded with a free cup of coffee, which has already been claimed by around 30 foreign tourists. According to the deputy director at the National Gallery of Denmark, the green initiative is not just a gimmick but a meaningful project promoting sustainable behavior and respect for the local environment.

“We have seen how guests have great experiences while thinking sustainably. It has highlighted the importance of being a responsible tourist who respects the host country,” states Marie-Louise Dunker Nielsen.