Finnovations

Having lived here for nearly three months, I feel it's time to report on some of Finland's quirky and creative contributions to modern society. Things that might be worthy of importation. Finnovations.

The over-the-sink drying cabinet

When I first moved into my city centre apartment, I found the kitchen to be as expected. Small fridge, even smaller freezer, appliances with bizarrely large European plugs, normal cabinetry.


Upon further inspection, however, I was caught by surprise by what lay inside one of these cabinets: an over-the-sink drying rack.

For an apartment without a dishwasher, this installation is extremely useful. Once the dishes are washed, just stick them in the cabinet. Water drips from the cabinet right into the sink. Close the cabinet when you're through and grab the dishes when you're ready to use them again. No unsightly drying rack on the counter, no mildewy dishtowels.

Lettuce Pods

While shopping at my favorite supermarket, which is located in the basement of the famous Stockman's department store, I came across the next Finnovation: heads of lettuce sold with their roots still growing in a little plastic containers filled with soil.


The result? Lettuce that stays fresh much longer; a food product that doubles as a bit of greenery for your kitchen; the satisfaction of gardening and harvesting without the painful kneeling.

Heated Sidewalks

Believe it or not, a number of sidewalks around Helsinki's tourist attractions are heated so that snow melts instantly upon impact.

There have undoubtedly been complaints about the energy wasted on this luxury, but it's certainly pleasant for us pedestrians.

Winter Baby Naps

This isn't so much a recent innovation. Nor am I convinced that it's a good thing. But here in Finland, pediatricians and government experts encourage parents to put their babies to sleep outside -- especially in winter! From the Ministry of Labour's pamphlet entitled "Having Children in Finland":

Irrespective of the season, many children have their evening naps outside in prams. Many babies sleep better outdoors in the fresh air than in the bedroom. Sleeping outdoors is not dangerous for a baby. One may gradually start going outdoors when the baby is two weeks old. If it is very cold or excessively warm, it is better to let the baby sleep inside. If the baby takes her/his evening nap outside, make sure she/he is clothed according to the weather. It is not good for the baby to be either too hot or too cold. You can try the temperature of baby’s skin from hands or neck when the baby is clothed. When the temperature is below zero [celsius], a baby must have woollen clothes, but woollen clothes should not be placed next to her/ his skin. In summer, make sure that the sun is not shining directly into the pram, and protect the baby from insect bites. Protect the baby from rain and wind as well.

I've approached cafes on bitterly cold weekend days to find a line of strollers out front. While the parents warm themselves with coffee inside, the babies are napping the day away in the open air. Anyone with kids want to volunteer to test out this Finnovation back in the US?