With the deteriorating condition of our planet, it is the need of the hour to take greater steps in favour of our earth. By following 8 Best ways for living eco-friendly and budget-friendly life in Netherlands.
We have been exploiting the resources on earth as they were something eternal but we need to understand that earth is getting short of resources and the existing ones are needed to be conserved for future. So, being far-sighted, lets discuss some ways to lead a sustainable life in the Netherlands. (Charity begins at home, right?)
Replace plastic bottles with insulated bottles
Instead of using plastic bottles, you should invest in a reusable bottle. Having your own water bottles proves to be very convenient Especially with the clean tap water in the Netherlands, you can refill it anywhere, anytime. In addition to this, having a water bottle handy will always keep you hydrated. Isn’t that awesome!!
Buy from thrift stores
Common brands have some pretty trendy and affordable items. However, despite these low prices, these have a high environmental cost. Instead of buying from these stores, you can thrift your clothes instead! Thrifting your clothes is environment-friendly and saves clothes from going into a landfill. Many cities in the Netherlands have vintage or second-hand clothing stores that you can check out. Also, there are several apps for buying (and selling) clothes second-hand. All you have to do is make the purchase and the seller will have it posted to your nearest pick-up point or directly to your door.
Go to grocers for fruits and vegetables
Shopping at the grocery store can produce plastic and packaging waste. So, to avoid that, the better idea is to shop at the local grocers. You can find them in your city center at the open-air markets, which often take place two days a week. You can also buy cheese, meats, bread, and a lot more there! Buying foods from your local grocers cheaper than buying from the supermarket, as well as it also produces less waste because less packaging is used.
Refill essential items
Most of your toiletry and household items can be refilled at bulk stores without producing any waste. There are several zero-waste stores in the Netherlands where you can get this done. Also, many zero-waste stores also make deliveries to your home. One interesting thing to know is you give a small deposit when you order and then get it back on your next delivery when you return the container.
A tote bag is a must
Tote bags are better for the planet than plastic bags. Plus, paying extra for plastic bags just isn’t the Dutch way. Along with that, these bags come in thousands of different designs that you can’t stop yourselves from buying them. All you need to do is to keep distance from plastic bags.
Most Dutch cities have bins for you to recycle glass, bottles, and paper. While it may feel wrong, plastic can actually be thrown in the regular rubbish in the Netherlands as it is automatically sorted later. However, according to studies, only around 40% of Dutch household and industrial waste is actually recycled. So, if you really want to do good by the environment, ditch the plastic.
Go paperless
Going paperless can conserve a lot of paper waste. You can’t even imagine how many trees you save by not using paper. Some of the ways to reduce paper usage can be getting digital versions of books or switching to digital banking rather than following the traditional banking methods or taking digital notes and many more. You can save paper in your own way.
Make your own compost
Plant lovers know the importance of compost. You can easily reduce your food waste by making your own compost at home! Composting is when you put food waste and other kinds of waste together to make organic material that helps plants grow.
Making your own compost can reduce methane production and keep waste out of landfills. Plus, it is really healthy for your plants.
These were some ways which can be followed easily by anyone. Do your bit for your plant!!
Netherlands has come up with many innovative ideas to live sustainable life. To know about these innovations checkout Netherlands Perfect Place for You to Visit “Country of Innovations in The 21st Century”.
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