What is GreenKayak?
GreenKayak is an environmental NGO that invites people to join the fight for cleaner oceans in a fun and engaging way. The concept is pretty simple – paddle a kayak for free, but with two conditions: spend your time collecting trash from the water and share your experience on social media using #GreenKayak. This initiative encourages people of all ages to get out on the water, learn about ocean pollution, and take direct action to reduce the garbage floating in coastal waters.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
GreenKayak offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference while enjoying the outdoors. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight the project’s impact:
- Since 2017, thousands of volunteers have paddled GreenKayaks in harbors, rivers, and lakes across five European countries.
- More than 104 tons of trash have been collected by these dedicated paddlers.
- In 2020 alone, 12,047 volunteers helped collect 17,868 kg of trash.
- By the end of 2019, over 22,000 locals and travelers had joined the movement.
- The fleet grew from just 3 kayaks to 73 by 2021, spanning multiple countries.
How It All Began
The journey started in Copenhagen, where Tobias, a professional sea kayaking instructor, led guided tours through canals, picking up plastics and debris. It quickly became clear that the trash was persistent, reappearing day after day. Realizing the need for broader involvement, Tobias launched the first free kayak initiative in April 2017, initially called Miljøkajakken. The early seasons saw roughly 3,000 volunteers collect 10 tons of waste, mostly plastic, from Copenhagen’s waterways and beaches.
Scaling Up and Expanding Reach
The project took a big leap forward when Tobias met Oke, a business school graduate with start-up experience, during a surf trip. Together, they rebranded the initiative as GreenKayak and set out to transform a local effort into an international movement. Rapid growth followed, expanding beyond Denmark into four more European countries and scaling the kayak fleet from 3 to 58 by the end of 2019. The movement attracted thousands more volunteers, spreading the message of cleaner oceans far and wide.
Recent Developments and International Presence
GreenKayak continued to grow, becoming a UNESCO Green Citizen project in 2020 and expanding to new cities. In 2022, the initiative ventured beyond Europe to Tokyo, offering locals a chance to clean their waters. However, due to tidal challenges, the Tokyo location was eventually closed. In 2023, GreenKayak proudly entered Finland’s capital, Helsinki, marking full coverage of the Nordic region. By 2024 and 2025, the project focused on Germany, placing kayaks in Leipzig, Lübeck, and Flensburg, thus reaching even more communities.
GreenKayak’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Reducing marine pollution and protecting aquatic ecosystems.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Promoting awareness and action on environmental issues.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Engaging urban populations in environmental stewardship.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Building a global network of volunteers and organizations.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Offering educational tours and spreading knowledge about ocean health.
Community Engagement and Educational Efforts
Beyond just cleaning up trash, GreenKayak connects people across generations, creating a sense of shared purpose and community. The project offers guided tours, group events, and educational programs in cities like Copenhagen, Hamburg, Berlin, and Helsinki. These activities not only help clean the waters but also inspire participants to become lifelong advocates for the environment. It’s about more than just paddling – it’s about paddling together for a cleaner, healthier planet.
