Waste Lab, Science Camp and trip to Sweden

Ready for the Waste Lab!

One of three massive waste areas

1000 degrees Celsius Incinerator

We started the day off with a visit to the Vestforbraending Recycling and Waste Treatment Plant.  In Denmark, 65% of all waste is recycled, 25% incinerated, and only 10% goes to a landfill.  The smell was unpleasant at times, yet the dedication and passion in this plant was remarkable.  We were asked to define waste, and our presenter asked us to think of waste as a resource that can be turned into energy.  Danes waste about 8 billion Kroner (remember divide by 6 to convert to approximate US dollars) on food that isn't used at all, yet this is actually good in comparison to other countries.  When walking by the claws, incinerator, control room, etc., we realized why this facility must remain open 24/7.  To get the incinerator up to 1000 degrees Celsius, it takes two days and a very expensive energy bill.  The plant's motto was "one man's trash, another man's treasure."

We also visited Soro Science Camp where "talent is contagious" and students are able to work for 3-4 days over several periods of time.  Students are selected by teachers with the idea that everyone should have a chance to attend free of charge.  "We are searching for one who has talent, not money" was the initiative in selecting students. Twelve to twenty year old students attend the camp mainly over the summer, where they are allowed to experiment with some of the most innovative science technology.

Lastly, we decided to cross the border to Sweden via metro.  We weren't asked for our passports when leaving for Sweden.  Sweden was like Denmark in some ways, yet somewhat different.  We were surprised by the height of "Turning Torso" and how it almost looked Photoshopped into the landscape of Sweden.  We enjoyed a delicious dinner and then took a taxi to a sunset lit beach (at 10:45 pm!).  We met a kind man named Simon who talked with us for about twenty minutes about the strong relationship between Sweden and Denmark.  Swedish money is different than Danish currency, yet we had no problems.  We took the metro back to Copenhagen at 00:00 (midnight) and sang "Happy Birthday" to one of the teachers on this journey.  Our last day is approaching, and I am so appreciative to the Danes who were extremely hospitable, kind and generous to this group of teachers from North Carolina.

Employees must work 24/7 to monitor the facility

Science Camp lockers-Periodic Table style

Heading towards Sweden-Denmark Wind Turbines

Denmark countryside

Sweden Subway

Malmö Sweden

Malmö Sweden

Turning Torso is the tallest building in Scandinavia