Living in Europe for the first time, it’s easy to be drawn in by exciting proximity of so many new places and the ease of travel. Scrolling through instagram and seeing everyone post from a new city every weekend, I had found myself getting caught up in dreams of places that I want to see (here, no here, no there!)

However, I’ve found that the weekends I’ve spent in Copenhagen have been the times where I’ve done the most exploration, discovery, and community building. With every week I spend here, I feel myself more and more grounded in this city and its vibrant pockets of communities. And I owe a lot of my sense of belonging to Grønt Marked, which translates in english to ‘Green Market’. 

On Sundays, I’ve started volunteering at this non-profit farmers market that aims its support at small, regenerative farmers and local organic products. The community of people involved in running the market, farmers, permanent staff, and volunteers alike are all welcoming, curious, and passionate. Through conversation with people at the market, I’ve learned about everything from seasonal produce and their uses in local dishes, to challenges for small farms in the Danish food system, to small scale fermentation, to the immigrant experience in Denmark. Working in the market kitchen and serving coffee, I’ve been able to strike up conversations with customers, discussing Denmark’s growing interest in farmers markets and grassroots food operations and the joy of connecting personally with the people that grow and make the food we eat. I am constantly reminded of the important role that community plays in rebuilding our relationship with land and food. 

Choosing to stay local significantly reduces an individual’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. But what about our physical energy as well? If you’ve flown before, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of being drained of energy after a long flight, all those hours sitting and watching random movies, and eating the most random snack provided by the airline. Going on a trip is always fun and exciting, but it is draining, and I have never felt properly recharged for the week after spending the weekend away. Now any time I consider leaving Copenhagen for the weekend, the first thought that comes to mind is, “but I’ll miss the market!”. It seems like a silly thought, but when I remember what it means to me – being able to use my energy to support a sustainable food system, a caring community, passionate and inspiring mentors, and customers in ethical food consumption– I realize how much deeper it is.

I took a plant biology course in the spring and we learned about a study in which the researchers, by measuring the pathway of organic molecules, were able to demonstrate that trees in forests work together through their mycorrhizal fungi networks to share resources in times of need. When I see the market, I see this phenomenon reflected within it – people and trees, the fungi network and the market, resources and food – where gratitude and care, in both places, is the energy that underlies every interaction. Nature is an incredible teacher, demonstrating how we can use our energy to build mutually sustaining relationships. Constructing our lives, cities, and systems based on this model will ensure the health of both people and the world.