Recently, Stockholm, Sweden was ranked the world’s most livable capital city and now it has been awarded Europe’s Greenest City Award for 2010. When traveling to this city, it is easy to see why these awards are bestowed upon Stockholm. The city is pristine, yet stylish. Malaren Bay is sparkling blue and the city plans on keeping it that way. Eco practices are an integral part of the city’s business approach and the evidence is everywhere you look. From pedal powered taxi cabs to the Arlanda Express train which is working to tap the body heat of passengers to warm adjacent buildings. A futuristic eco- idea!

While meandering through the streets of Stockholm, you will encounter  many areas that are prime examples of a neighborhood going green. The trendy and fashionable neighborhood of Sodermalm is just one example. Sodermalm is the largest residential island south of old town. Here, you will find a slew of green eateries and organic shopping options. There are many fair-trade shops for clothing and plenty of opportunities to purchase organic cosmetics. And the numerous parks, gardens, fountains and small quaint alley-ways make this charming part of Stockholm a great place to get lost and soak in the Swedish lifestyle. This neighborhood also contains the Toy Museum , a great stop for families. Here you will find displays of thousands of toys from over the past century, including a wide variety of toy trains and a Mickey Mouse exhibit. Don’t miss the café where you can savor organic cookies and milk…okay so It’s not just for kids. Another local hotspot is the Gondola Café. This cafe is accessed by way of the Katarinahissen lift which climbs from sea level to the peak of Sodermalm’s steep cliffs where you will be greeted with fabulous panoramic views of Gamla Stan.

There are too many green hotels to list, but one Swedish chain that stands out is the Scandic Hotels chain. The décor is of a sleek Scandinavian, minimalist design, and the hotels take pride in their  renewable energy and extensive recycling programs. They have recently stopped selling bottled water, saving over 160 tons of CO2 per year.

Another alternative is the The Nordic Sea Hotel which is centrally located to all the city’s tourist attractions and is home to the famous and chilly Absolute Icebar where the temperature is -5°C all year round. The entire interior, including the glasses, is made from 100% pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Swedish Lapland.

Usually I say “pass” on visiting fast food chains when traveling abroad. In Sweden, however, I’m quick to grab a GMO free burger at the fast food chain BURGER MAX. This supposedly offsets 1-4 kilos of carbon per purchase. The restaurant buys credits to plant trees in Africa. At the opposite end of the dining scale is the popular Leijontornet, a restaurant which combines fine dining with an organic food roster and a local purchasing pledge. This restaurant is for “foodies” who like to push boundaries. The menu has a medieval flair and the presentation can be a real spectacle depending on what you have ordered.

Last but not least and a “must visit”, is the former royal deer park known as Djurgarden. It is only a few minutes by ferry from Stockholm’s bustling city center. The park has many popular museums and attractions, but the beauty of this park is its celebration of nature. There are greenhouses to visit with thousands of colorful flowers, as well as bird sanctuaries. The best way to see Djurgarden is on a bike. And you can rent one in the park and ride the many, easy-to-pedal pathways. You’ll soon forget that you are in the heart of a large, cosmopolitan city. In fact, you may think you’re out in the Swedish countryside.

Culturally rich, colorful, and full of action, Stockholm invites visitors to explore their green side by seeing how the proud Swedish people have taken their commitment to protecting the environment to the next level.