The Netherlands is a country that promotes green living in different ways that are worth exploring and replicating globally. It is while living here that my daily life practices have become the most “green”.
Commuting by Bike
The number one green practice that I observe in the Netherlands is the culture of cycling. In the Netherlands cycling to work and school is a common practice. This is the case despite the weather and for individuals and families. I still get mesmerized by the number of mothers AND fathers who take their kids to school in what they call the bakfiets or with a double-seat bike (one seat on the stirring and one behind the seats). I always appreciate noticing that this is the way of transport even on cold or rainy days, sustainable practices prevail in society as common ground when it comes to transportation, and I am convinced that kids grow resilient to the weather. In my daily life as well, despite the weather, I commute to work and social outings by bike.
Glass and Plastic Deposits in Supermarkets
Another great green practice is available in supermarkets. Albert Heijn and Jumbo for example have machines that return the deposit charged on most of your plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans. I remember in the beginning thinking that this was an awkward practice. I used to think “Do people go to the supermarket with bags full of bottles to recycle?” The answer is YES they do. Not everybody, but it is not unusual to have a small queue at the machine now and then. Regarding the money there are always two options: you can collect it to deduct it from your supermarket purchase, or you can donate the money to charity. To know if you can bring the bottle to the supermarket, check that they have a “deposit bottle symbol” like this one.
Recycling Stations
I think this is my favorite practice in Maastricht. Around the city, you can find several recycling stations where you can deposit cardboard, plastic, glass (colored and white), plastic, cans, and even diapers. This means that people can collect their recyclable trash and bring it there. The government periodically comes to empty these huge underground containers. I find the organization fascinating. I enjoy bringing my recyclables, it usually implies a nice walk and a relieving feeling at home. For some visuals please take a look at my YouTube video.
Trash Collection
This is one of my favorites, at this point, you might wonder – wait, and what if you have things that you cannot recycle? Well for those there is a trash collection service provided by the government. However, there is a trick to it – it takes place only every two weeks! On top, the trash is only collected if you put it out in specific red and white bags that you must purchase in the supermarket. So yes… besides the fact that we pay high taxes in the Netherlands, on top you pay for the trash bags so that the government collects your rubbish. And let me tell you that the bags are not precisely cheap, nor huge. Therefore, we are all encouraged to 1) recheck your consumption/trash generation and 2) recycle our unavoidable trash. Especially since – let me remind you – this is collected every two weeks. Here you can find more informaiton.
Green Bins
Wait one moment… and what about all of the food scraps? Those are collected every two weeks too!?! OMG hell no! Haha… for those there is the green bucket system, or at least that is what I call it. Every address at least in Maastricht has the right to receive a green bucket from the government. There are two sizes, the small one, which is around 20 big, is good enough for a household. This is a plastic bucket that you can put out once per week with only food residues. I understand all of those people who say that the buckets can get disgusting. I agree with them. To avoid that there are a couple of options either you can a) place a brown paper bag inside or b) a degradable plastic green bag. I personally also place an egg carton in the bottom of the bin for absorption. Click here for more information.
Second-hand shops
Second-hand shops are another favorite… the Kringloop Paradise! Many may wonder how I can be so enthusiastic about this but seriously… This is an exciting place. Kringloop is the name of one of the chains of second-hand shops. Here you can find EVERYTHING. It’s just a matter of jumping in and taking a close look to find some treasures. Otherwise, you can also find some needed goods like washing machines or dining tables. I dare to say one can furnish an entire house with Kringloop products. It is worth mentioning they are cheaper, you can arrange home delivery and you can also bring old and unused stuff to them! They take it for free. I find it a fascinating organization ideal for students, expats, and locals. Here I leave one of their websites.
Part of my soul belongs to a Greenpeace organization, or at least for me somehow it becomes very easy to implement these local practices. I hope that for you gradually becomes the same, or at least brings you some insights into practices that could be introduced in your home country.
With love 💚,
Sofia
