Eco Finland: The Green Way of Living

Vol.28, Issue 11, 28 November 2025

When I first came to Finland, I thought “sustainability” was something people talked about in meetings or read about in reports. But here, it’s not a slogan — it’s everyday life. You see it everywhere: in how people recycle, how homes stay warm in winter, and even in how families choose their furniture. And now that I’ve lived here for a while, I’ve quietly picked up these habits too.

As winter slowly arrives and the days get darker, you start noticing how these small choices create a warm and thoughtful way of living.

1. Sorting Waste Properly — A Finnish Basic Skill

n Finland, recycling is almost like learning to walk. Every home has separate bins for plastic, glass, paper, metal, and bio-waste. Even children can sort waste better than some adults in other countries!

When I first got my apartment, I remember standing in front of five different bins, holding a yogurt cup and wondering where it belonged. Now, sorting waste feels as natural as brushing my teeth — click, click, click, all in the right bin.

2. Bottle Deposit System (Pantti) — My Kids’ Favourite “Treasure Hunt”

The pantti system is brilliant. You return bottles to a machine and get money back. Simple, fun, and smart.

My kids love it — they actually compete to see who can collect more empty bottles. Every time the machine prints out that little refund receipt, they treat it like treasure. And honestly, I love seeing them enjoy an eco-friendly habit without even realizing it.

3. Green Transportation — Even in the Snow

Walking, biking, buses, trains — Finns really do choose greener ways to move.

The first time I saw someone biking in heavy snow, I couldn’t believe it. The tires were thicker than usual, and the cyclist looked so calm, as if snow and ice were just… decoration.

Now, I’m not brave enough to bike in winter yet, but I do walk a lot more. Somehow the cold air feels refreshing and “clean” in a way I never felt before.

4. The Love for Second-Hand — I’m Now a Second-Hand Expert

This part truly changed my life.

In Finland, buying second-hand isn’t a sign of saving money — it’s just normal, smart, and eco-friendly. Stores like UFF and Fida, or online marketplaces like Tori.fi, are full of good-quality items.

I’ve donated clothes, picked up children’s beds, and even found beautiful chairs and tables for my home. And the best part?

We even got a second-hand piano — still in great condition, still perfectly in tune. I never imagined that in Finland, “second-hand” could feel so new.

5. Energy-Smart Homes — Small Habits, Big Impact

Finnish homes are clever: smart heating systems, LED lights, and very conscious energy use.

I’ve learned to turn off lights quickly (it becomes a reflex!), and doing laundry at night when electricity is cheaper feels almost like a secret trick.

6. Winter Heating Tips — Staying Warm the Finnish Way

Most Finns keep their indoor temperature around 20–21°C. At first I thought: “That’s too cold!”

But warm socks, thick curtains, and cozy blankets change everything. And one habit I really admire: hen airing the room, open the windows wide for just a few minutes — fresh air in, heat stays in. It feels efficient and surprisingly refreshing.

7. Eating Local and Seasonal — Winter Comfort Food

Image source: Martat.fi

Finnish winter food is simple but comforting: root vegetables, oven dishes, and berries frozen from summer. I love how sustainable eating here feels natural — no pressure, no overthinking.

8. Saving Water Wisely — Small Actions, Real Change

Even with Finland’s incredibly clean water, people still use it carefully: short showers, full washing loads, no running water for no reason.

At home, this became a habit for us too — something the kids now remind each other about.

A Quiet Culture of Care

What I love most is that Finnish people don’t talk loudly about being “green.”

They simply live gently, respecting nature and each other through small actions.

And that’s what inspired me: I didn’t change my lifestyle because someone told me to — I changed because Finland showed me a calmer, smarter, kinder way of living.

Even on the coldest winter morning, these little habits warm the day. If sustainability had a personality, in Finland it would be quiet, thoughtful, and deeply genuine.