Danish municipalities lead climate action with vegetarian meals and cycling initiatives

Several Danish municipalities are marking the country’s national Climate Action Day by introducing plant-based menus in public canteens and promoting green transport, reports DR.

In Sønderborg Municipality, all public institutions—including care homes—are serving climate-friendly meals today. At Hørup Care Centre, where residents are accustomed to traditional dishes like “soup, roast, and ice cream,” the menu now features beans and chickpeas instead.

Hanne Heinrich, a kitchen assistant at the centre, said the shift has been met with mixed reactions. “It can be a challenge when we serve green meals. Not everything is well-received, but some dishes are eaten. It’s exciting to try something new and see how it’s accepted,” she told DR.

Resident Helle Elmholt, 74, whose family ran a butcher’s shop, said she was open to the change—for one day. “For a single day, it’s fine. You should eat sensibly, and vegetables should have more space. There’s always been meat in my kitchen, but there should also be room for vegetables,” she said.

Today’s dish, a Tuscan bread and vegetable soup called ribollita, won her approval. “It’s good and tastes really nice. The kitchen should just avoid telling us there’s no meat in it,” she added.

In Esbjerg Municipality, the focus extends beyond food. The town hall canteen is offering extra-green lunch options, such as vegetable-heavy lasagne or fully vegetarian dishes, based on staff suggestions.

Meanwhile, the municipality’s climate team is promoting a cycling scheme to encourage employees to choose bikes over cars. “We want to highlight green transport and discuss what individuals can do daily to focus more on climate action,” said Dorthe Ibsen, head of climate and environment for Esbjerg.

The national Climate Action Day, held annually, aims to make daily life more climate-friendly through collective efforts. Organisers emphasise that while no single person can solve the climate crisis alone, small actions can make a difference when combined.