Danish island Samso, is setting an example for all communities going green. Samso residents have reduced their fossil fuel consumption to 30 percent by replacing it with renewable energy sources. Wind turbines, solar panels and biofuels power the island's homes and businesses while offsetting fossil fuel usage.

Wind power, generated via 11 turbines at the shoreline of the island, and 10 ocean-based turbines, fulfill Samso's electricity needs. Solar panels throughout the island heat residences and water supplies. Similarly, biofuels made from straw, rye and wheat crops also heat homes and other single story buildings. Tractors, pulling the community’s agriculture industry, also run off of biofuels.

The island's 4,000+ citizens have invested more than $84 million (U.S. currency) in reducing their island's carbon footprint. Government entities assist financially by subsidizing the wind power market and through taxes.

Samso is doing its part to meet the European Union challenge to reduce emissions associated with global warming (methane, carbon dioxide, etc.) by a fifth of 1990 consumption levels and replacing that segment with renewable energies by the year 2020. Going carbon neutral and supporting an entire island off of renewable energies has and will continue to prove successful as the international community looks to Samso for guidance in converting their locales to carbon-neutral societies.