Scandinavian Lifestyle on Sustainability: Envisioning Environmentally Friendly Lifestyle for Southeast Asia

Written by: Nadya Marshanda & Rifqi Zuhdi Amarta

This article is written as a collaboration project with Scanity UGM.

Introduction

Environmental issues have been at the forefront of global discussion in recent years. Following the growing concern of pollution and global warming, countries around the world have taken up steps to create a sustainable environment. The Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are two examples of global actors’ commitment to address existing environmental issues. Each country has a different approach and results in tackling their environmental issues.

The 2020 Environmental Performance Index conducted by Yale University measures the state of sustainability of 180 countries around the world. Denmark topped the ranking with the highest EPI score of 82,5, followed by Sweden and Norway in 8th and 9th place. On the other hand, Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia ranked 68th, 111th, and 116th consecutively on the index (Wendling et al., 2020). This finding implies that Southeast Asian states have to work hard to ensure the region’s sustainability (HV et al., 2014).

Figure 1. 2020 Environmental Performance Index

Source: 2020 Environmental Performance Index Report, 2020

A country’s quality of environment and ecosystem is not only affected by its government’s policy or law, but also by its culture and lifestyle, which influence the population’s perception of their environment and the need to preserve it. This article will explore how Scandinavian countries develop their sustainable lifestyle, and how their model of sustainable lifestyle can be implemented by ASEAN countries currently facing rapid development and environmental issues. This article will also discuss how local traditions can support an upcoming sustainable and eco-lifestyle of ASEAN countries.

Scandinavian Lifestyle

Scandinavian countries are well known for their good quality of living conditions, education, and work culture, as a result of unique social and cultural norms that are deeply rooted in Scandinavian society. Scandinavian lifestyle, as it is well known, is based on sustainability. The harsh climate of the region, with cold winters for most of the year, inspired this sustainable lifestyle. Scandinavians learn to coexist with nature in a mutualistic relationship to survive (Heiskanen, n.d.). They protect and preserve the environment, which provides them with the resources they need.

Some examples of Scandinavian lifestyles are Lagom and Hygge. Lagom is a Swedish philosophy of “just right.” It encourages a balance in life where nothing is too much or too little. Following the Lagom way of life, one would learn to not waste anything because the amount taken is always balanced. Those examples show the unique lifestyle that the Scandinavians do in their day-to-day life which aids in opening the way to a healthy mind and a healthy environment (Afrillia, 2021; MediCarrera, n.d.). Hygge is a lifestyle of “slow living” practiced in Denmark, which is principled in enjoying life with your friends, family, and loved ones. Hygge creates a warm and enjoyable atmosphere thus generating a positive mindset among Danish people. As a result, Denmark is ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world (European Higher Education Fair, 2022; VisitDenmark, n.d.).

One empirical showcase of this would be the mass act of recycling. Recycling has become a major part of the Scandinavian sustainable lifestyle. In 2020, Sweden recycled 467 kilograms of household garbage per person, with 46 percent of household waste converted into electricity (Sweden, n.d.). Since 1984, Sweden has had a system called Pantamera, where people can deposit their used aluminum cans and plastic bottles in exchange for money (Pantamera, n.d.). Owen Gaffney, a global sustainability analyst and communicator at Stockholm Resilience Centre and Future Earth, states that recycling has become the social norm in Sweden since the Swedish population dutifully recycles their waste (Kiger, 2018).

Environmental Awareness in Scandinavian Society

Surveys conducted by the European Investment Bank in 2021 show that 75% of Swedish people and 79% of Danish people consider climate change and its consequences as the biggest challenges of the 21st century (European Investment Bank, 2022). The substantial amount of consideration that the Scandinavian people put on climate change is not only a product of modern environmental campaigns, but it is rooted back in the social and cultural background of the Scandinavians. Their heightened appreciation of natural phenomena vis-a-vis important mythology surrounding nature, such as the Aurora Borealis (Vacations & Travel, 2021). Research conducted in 2020 by Zsuzsanna Bacsi from University of Pannonia analyzing the environmental awareness of different cultures in Europe shows that Scandinavian countries have a high amount of environmental awareness. This correlates with high indulgence and a sense of self-reliance in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The independent nature of Scandinavian society means a greater sense of personal responsibility to take care of the environment without waiting for government or public action. While the indulgence trait in Scandinavian societies can be found through traditions such as Friluftsliv, Lagom, and Hygge, those traditions influence Scandinavians’ overall awareness and perception regarding environmental issues thus shaping an eco-friendly lifestyle (Bacsi, 2020).

ASEAN Lifestyle: A Resonation of Scandinavian Lifestyle

In ASEAN, the term Scandinavian lifestyle more often than not is used as a part of a promotion technique, particularly in the furniture and home appliances market. These strategies have proven to be successful as they continue to expand across ASEAN nations. At the same time, the environmentally-conscious aspect of the Scandinavian lifestyle also grows in society, despite being perceived separately. A study on consumer sentiment (UOB, 2021) highlights that ASEAN consumers are more influenced by sustainability issues now than ever before. The recognition comes alongside the increasing awareness of climate change and motivation towards sustainability, particularly among the Gen Z population (aged 18 to 23 years old in 2021). These environmentally conscious products include products that do not cause or cause less environmental pollution/natural resource depletion, can be recycled or preserved, and purchasing it will boost the environment, economy, and society condition (Lin & Lin, 2015). However, ecological consciousness in Southeast Asian communities has long evolved as an adaptation to nature. The traditional architecture showcases how traditional folks integrate climate and environmental conditions to shape their dwelling both as a shelter and a home. As an example, Northern Vietnam folk houses are oriented toward the south or southeast, allowing a cool breeze in through the summer while protecting from the monsoon in winter. The availability of large doors and windows across the facade, water elements, and vegetation also improve microclimate conditions (Hong Na & Park, 2011). Usage of local materials, for example, bamboo, has also been recognized as a sustainable alternative. This practice is also adapted to several international housing projects, including the collaboration project between Finnish Komitu Architects, Cambodian NGOs Cambodian Volunteers for Society (CVS), and Khmer Kampuchea Krom Human Rights and Development Organization (KKKHRDA) (ASEF, 2016)

Environmental Awareness in ASEAN Society

Despite the long history of sustainable traditional customs, mainstreaming the green lifestyle is still urgent to be one of the main agenda. Currently, ten ASEAN Member States alone generate over 31 million tons of plastic waste every year (World Bank, 2021). The issue is nothing new, as in 2015 four out of five countries that accounted for up to 60% of the plastic waste leaked into the ocean were Southeast Asian Countries (Ocean Conservancy & McKinsey, 2015). Those countries were Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand with the other nation being China. The widespread use of single-use plastics is common as it is cheap, widely available, and convenient to be used for “take away” street food which is a prominent culture in some countries, such as Thailand and Indonesia. Yet over 75% of waste in Southeast Asian countries is still mismanaged, causing litter and plastic pollution across nations (UNEP, 2018).

Thus, the joint effort to combat marine litter and plastic pollution in Southeast Asia has been enforced by a collaboration project with the UN Environment and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), funded by the Sweden International Development Agency (Sida) (UNEP, 2018). It was announced at an event at the Swedish Ambassador’s Residence in Bangkok, which was also a commemoration of 150 years of Thai-Swedish partnership. The project will conduct scientific research regarding plastic usage and collect a series of data regarding plastic leakage on local, national, and regional levels. Hopefully, such findings will be beneficial to generate region-wide public awareness and support the development of evidence-based policies and plans. Another form of support is visible through the launch of ASEAN-Norwegian Cooperation Project on Local Capacity Building for Reducing Plastic Pollution in the ASEAN Region (ASEANO) in 2019. The US$3 million project emphasizes capacity and knowledge development in tackling plastic pollution, starting from Indonesia and the Philippines as the areas of the first case studies (Ruengchinda, 2021). Examples of the implementation in the Philippines include creating a waste-bank-like system in Barangay San Jose, Tagaytay City, and visitation to Imus where plastic sachets are recycled into bags. These actions are crucial as ASEAN, especially its water bodies, are vital to sustaining agricultural activities, which are deeply rooted as a part of our culture. Although, the variety of projects might create a sporadic effect, where lifestyle changes developed at a micro-community level. Therefore, continuous trans-border cooperation is needed, especially considering our shared river systems and connected coastlines.

Incorporating ASEAN’s Robust Tradition into the Modern Environmentally Conscious Lifestyle

Simultaneously, local traditions and values should be recognized as an asset in the development of a sustainable lifestyle. The practice of consuming local products is a prospective coping strategy to fulfill needs during periods of insufficiency. It is also considered a part of traditional culinary practice, through which cultural identity can be transmitted across generations (Iwasaki-Goodman, 2017, in Buenavista et al., 2018). For example, Urang Kanekes of Lebak, Banten province, Indonesia relies on traditional methods for soil fertilization, pest control, and nature preservation. This includes producing organic fertilizers from dried leaves and forest humus. Overall, their concept of lifestyle is mainly based on respect for all forms of life, which resonates with modern lifestyle, including Scandinavian lifestyle values to maintain harmonious relationship with nature as a survival measure. Other potential products come from the lesser-known traditions of Myin Ka village in Myanmar (Shin et al. 2018). There, Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume is mainly used as a source of vegetable oil. Interestingly, there is an indication that E. floribundus fruit has antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens while the leaf extracts have significant activities against CEM-SS cancer cells. Yet, it is still uncommercialized and could be further explored to generate additional livelihood revenue for the community.

The Next Step

Over the years, it is becoming evident that the world is at a crossroad — whether we should stay on our current lifestyle or to transform, adapt, and balance environmental, social, as well as economic growth. The shift towards a sustainable lifestyle is sweeping across the globe, including Scandinavia and the Southeast Asia region. Despite its difference in culture and ecosystem, both regions show that nature-based lifestyles and environmental awareness have developed, often coinciding with local traditions. Nevertheless, for a developing region such as Southeast Asia, the challenge might come from the urgency of institutionalization of an eco-friendly lifestyle. These changes will affect utility needs in ways such as more integrated waste management and basic infrastructure, with schools as a medium to socialize environmental-related public policies. Nonetheless, communities, regardless of their place, are increasingly aware to protect the earth as their home and ensure the future generation’s chance of living on.

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