Experiences

Leisure activities have a growing impact on the environment. The tourist industry has developed infrastructure that relocates more than 8 percent of the world’s population every year, and currently accounts for around 10 percent of the world’s gross national product. And our free-time activities are not limited to travel.

A sharing economy in the garden

Jun 27, 2017 |

Many products are only used occasionally. Husqvarna Battery Box is a new sharing service where homeowners can rent electric gardening tools when they need them, using an app. The tools are picked up from an unmanned, connected tool shed placed in the neighbourhood.

The Second Hand Effect

May 9, 2017 |

A new report - The Second Hand Effect - attempts to estimate the environmental advantage of the second hand market. In 2016, the Swedish digital marketplace Blocket alone contributed to carbon savings equivalent to Stockholm's transport emissions for one year.

The world’s first Svanen jeans

Feb 14, 2017 |

For garments, the Swan Ecolabel requires that the entire product lifecycle fulfills strict requirements - from the cotton field to the recycling. The Swedish fashion brand Velour by Nostalgi now presents the world's first jeans to carry the Swan Ecolabel.

Discarded clothes: a new lease on life

Jul 26, 2016 |

re:newcell, a Swedish company, has developed and patented textile recycling technology. “Our process converts cellulose fibers from cotton and trees (rayon) into a pulp to produce new. The technology is unique and is based the pulp industry methods,” says Gunnar Henriksson, professor of wood chemistry and co-owner of re:newcell.

Responsible boat disposal

May 5, 2015 |

Sweden has 2,700 km of coastline, or about 8,000 km counting all the bays, inlets and islands. With more than 60,000 islands, 95,000 navigable lakes and 1,000 kilometers of channels, pleasure boats are a national pastime in Sweden. No one knows exactly how many boats there are. Some estimates say 880,000, or about one boat for every eighth Swede....

Taxi Stockholm reveals some secrets

Jun 30, 2014 |

There are many underground secrets in a city. More and more, historic halls, tunnels, and passageways, that were previously closed, are now open to the public. In 2014, Taxi Stockholm introduced the possibility of a silent and environmentally friendly way to visit a very large and secret hall underneath the island of Skeppsholmen. Underground taxi with electric cars Skeppsholmen...

Unique reinforced fabric reduces climate impact

May 9, 2014 |

Lightweight and strong hockey sticks have something in common with the bodies of Formula 1 cars. They also share the same properties as windsurfing boards, snowboards, bicycles, and aircraft structures. “The common factor is a composite that is reinforced with carbon fiber,” says Henrik Blycker , CEO of Oxeon. “The idea was hatched by Professor Nandan Khokar, one of...

First Nordic Ecolabel couch under stricter requirements

May 2, 2014 |

Back in 1991, researchers at IVL, the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, performed a study of how a sofa can affect the environment – from the manufacture of the various materials to when the couch becomes waste. The survey attracted a lot of attention- and there were many who did not have a clue how many chemical substances that were...

A new way of sailing

Feb 26, 2013 |

Boat shows around the world have long been characterized with boats with large, fuel-thirsty engines. In recent years, issues related to environmental and climate impacts have become increasingly important for boaters and boatyards, alike. Electric and hybrid motors, and more fuel-efficient hulls, have become more and more interesting for all involved. Speed is today of less importance. There are...

Environmental skin care products win market share

May 9, 2012 |

Skin is the largest organ in our bodies, accounting for 16 percent of our weight. Skin has many functions, including protecting against outside influences such as shock, chemicals, microorganisms, ultraviolet radiation, heat and cold. Skin is also important in regulating body temperature and touch. Skin has a remarkable ability to care for itself and repair flaws, which is an...