- Intro text: Festive and sustainable! Make your Christmas shopping greener with these practical tips for conscious shopping.
Christmas is a time of conviviality, but also a period when a lot is bought and wasted. By buying consciously, you can enjoy festive Christmas without a big impact on the environment. Here are some tips for sustainable shopping.
1. Buy locally
Support local shops and markets. By buying locally, you reduce the distance products travel. This means less transport, less CO2 emissions and less damage to the environment. Moreover, you often find unique gifts that you won't find in big shops.
2. Choose sustainable products
Choose gifts that are long-lasting, reusable, or made from recycled materials. Organic products, such as chocolate and wine, are also a conscious choice. These products often have a smaller carbon footprint and come from suppliers who act fairly. So you can be sure you are making a positive impact!
3. Avoid unnecessary packaging
Many Christmas products are over-packaged. Choose products without plastic or in recyclable packaging. Be creative with wrapping; use fabric or reusable bags instead of wrapping paper. This not only saves waste, but also gives your gifts a unique look!
4. Plan your Christmas meal smartly
Buy your food consciously. Buy no more than you need, and choose seasonal and local produce. This makes food fresher, tastier and less harmful to the environment. Moreover, you reduce the chances of having leftovers.
5. Give experiences as a gift
Not everything has to be tangible. Give an experience as a gift, such as a dinner, a day out, or a creative workshop. This will create lasting memories without leaving any waste behind.
With these small changes, you can make a big impact. Celebrate a cosy Christmas that feels good and does good for the world around you!
- Intro text: The lights are on, the Christmas tree sparkles... but what if a bauble breaks or the lights stop working? Don't panic! Discover our handy tips for separating Christmas waste smartly and sustainably.
The holiday season is just around the corner! It is the time of cosiness and beautifully decorated houses. Will you also decorate your home in Christmas spirit? As you pull out the beautiful Christmas decorations, it can just happen that a bauble falls or the Christmas lights stop working. No worries! We will help you with tips on where best to dispose of this and other Christmas waste, so you can celebrate the festive season without worries.
1. Broken baubles
Your first thought of a broken bauble might be the bottle bank, but that's not true. Broken baubles have a different melting point to packaging glass. That is why they belong in the residual waste. Separating glass can sometimes be tricky, because did you know, for example, that broken (wine) glasses and oven dishes should not go in the bottle bank either? These also belong in residual waste. We have a handy overview for you to see which glass is allowed where. Still in doubt? Then use our handy separation guide to see what you throw away where.
2. Broken Christmas lights
Christmas lights are electronic waste and can be properly recycled. Hand it in at special drop-off bins in shops, such as DIY or electronics shops. Or take it to the recycling centre using your environmental card. Many shops also take old bulbs in when buying new ones. This way, they stay out of residual waste and everything is recycled properly.
3. Net around Christmas tree
Are you bringing a real Christmas tree into your home? There is often a net around it for easy transport of the Christmas tree. The net may be made of plastic, but it has to go with the residual waste. Why? Because otherwise the net gets stuck in the sorting installation. Other waste also gets stuck in the nets.
4. Carcass of a turkey
Are you going to enjoy a delicious turkey? You can throw that carcass in the GFT container. This is because it falls under vegetable, fruit and garden waste. This way, you are helping to create a better environment!
5. Oasis (floral foam)
Are you getting rid of your Christmas arrangement after Christmas? Oasis, also known as floral foam, is made of a type of plastic and has to go in the residual waste. So it cannot be disposed of with vegetable, fruit and garden waste. Real twigs from Christmas trees, for example, can go in the organic waste.
6. Wrapping paper
What to do with wrapping paper? If you can tear it, you can throw it away with the paper. Can't tear it? Then it is not paper and you throw it in the residual waste.
7. Candles
You can reuse stubs and leftover candle wax to make new candles. You can also return old candles to the charity shop. Do you no longer use them? Then throw them away with your residual waste.
8. Tubs of tea light
Have you been burning tea lights? Dispose of the tub as empty as possible with your plastic packaging, metal packaging (tin) and drinks packaging (pmd)*.
These tips will ensure that your holidays are not only cosy, but also sustainable. Happy holidays!
* Note: How you dispose of pmd depends on where you lives. Residents of high-rise and low-rise houses without a pmd container may dispose of pmd and residual waste together in a collection container for residual waste in the neighbourhood. This waste is collected separately and later sorted by machines.
- Intro text: Is your paper container full and you don't know where to take the paper? No worries! Find out what you can do here.
Is your paper container completely full? Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to dispose of your waste paper and cardboard properly. In this article, we give useful tips as well as explain how you can help make paper collection run smoothly.
5 tips to properly dispose of your waste paper and cardboard
A full paper container can be annoying. You want to dispose of your paper and cardboard neatly, but what can you do when your container is full? Make use of these handy tips and make sure your paper ends up in the right place.
1. Make smart use of space
Do you have large cardboard boxes? Flatten them well and make them small before putting them in the container. This will fit in a lot more, and prevent the container from filling up quickly.
2. Take paper and cardboard to a nearby collection container
There are collection containers for paper and cardboard in the neighbourhood. These are often located near shopping centres, flats or housing estates. Here you can dispose of your paper and cardboard free of charge. This is useful when your own container is full.
3. Apply for an additional paper container
Do you often have more paper and cardboard than will fit in your container? No problem. Then you can get an extra 240-litre paper container for free applications.
4. Take paper and cardboard to the waste disposal site
You can also bring paper and cardboard to the environmental centre free of charge. Don't forget to bring your environmental card.
5. Make arrangements with your neighbours
On the day the paper containers are emptied, you can dispose of the paper in your neighbour's container, if there is still space there. Always discuss this with your neighbours beforehand. Make sure you make everything small and put it neatly in the container. This keeps the neighbourhood tidy and neat!
Together we keep the neighbourhood clean
Do not put paper or cardboard next to the collection container. Apart from the high clean-up costs for this offence, it also causes litter in the neighbourhood. Paper quickly gets wet and dirty or blows through the neighbourhood like litter. By returning paper and cardboard in the right way, together we keep the neighbourhood tidy and clean.
- Intro text: After a fun Sinterklaas evening, what do you do with all that wrapping paper? Not everything can just go with the waste paper. We share some smart tips on how to dispose of the paper in a sustainable way and reuse it.
After a successful gift night, the floor is full of wrapping paper. Before you take everything to the paper bin, it is a good idea to think about what can really be recycled. After all, not all wrapping paper belongs in the waste paper bin. We share some smart tips on how to dispose of paper in a sustainable way - and even some ideas on how to reuse it.
Recognise recyclable paper with the "tear test"
A simple way to check whether gift paper is recyclable is the "tear test." Try tearing the paper: if it tears properly, it may go in the paper bin. Paper types such as one-sided laminated paper or more luxurious wrapping paper with a slight glossy coating (e.g. an aluminium-like coating) can also go in the waste paper bin. Can't you tear the paper? Then it belongs in the residual waste. This also applies to wrapping film, which should always go in the residual waste.
Give wrapping paper a second life
Instead of throwing the paper away immediately, you can save the best pieces and reuse them. Here are a few creative ways to give paper a second life:Wrapping presents again: The sturdier pieces of gift paper can be saved for future gifts. By folding pretty papers neatly, you will have instant material for the next birthday or party.Crafts with children: Use leftover paper for craft projects. Make collages, decorate cards, or cut out shapes for Christmas decorations. This gives the paper a second chance AND it's fun to do together.Making your own decoration: You can easily make decorations such as flags, stars, or paper flowers from gift paper. Perfect for keeping the festive atmosphere in your home for longer.
Wrapping presents differently
Want to wrap gifts in an even greener way? Then consider a wrapping cloth, such as a nice piece of fabric or a scarf. No need to use disposable material. A wrapping cloth is ideal for all kinds of gift sizes, can be used over and over again and gives your gift a beautiful luxurious look. It gives wrapping an extra personal touch and contributes to reducing waste.
Recycled and raw gift paper, or even cloth wrapping cloths, are sustainable alternatives that make Sinterklaas, and other celebrations, even more eco-friendly. With these tips, you'll ensure that clearing out your gift-wrapping is fun and eco-friendly. Happy holidays!
- Intro text: Falling temperatures and night frosts can cause waste to freeze in your container, especially VGF waste. This can prevent your container from being fully emptied. We have 10 tips to prevent freezing.
As temperatures drop and it freezes severely at night, waste can freeze in your container. This is a particular risk with VGF waste. The waste then does not fall out of your container, or only partially, when we tip it over above the trolley. Coming back is impossible and also pointless, because the container remains frozen. This is annoying, especially if the container is already quite full. Therefore, check that the flap is not frozen and poke some loose waste yourself before offering the container.
10 tips to avoid a frozen valve or frozen waste
- In case of frost, hold the lid of your container slightly open with a stick or piece of cardboard.
- Smear some Vaseline on the rim of your container. This will prevent the lid from freezing.
- Put the container in a sheltered place during frost.
- Put newspaper or a layer of sawdust underneath in container.
- Leaf litter has a lot of moisture. During the time of frost, throw as little leaf and garden waste as possible into the container or do so only just before you want it emptied.
- Put the waste in the container as dry as possible.
- Mix GFT waste that is very wet with drier GFT waste.
- Loosen frozen waste on the inside of the container before putting it on the road.
- Do not push/stomp the waste too hard, otherwise the waste will freeze together.
- Only put your container on the street before 7.30 in the morning.
If you still have room in the container, you can also choose not to offer the container again until the next time.
- Intro text: Most kitchen cupboards are often full of chemical and pricey cleaning products. Use these eco-friendly recipes to make your home shine.
- Intro text: Discover smart tips to celebrate Sinterklaas consciously and inexpensively this year. From giving experiences to sustainable wrapping: make Sinterklaas a party full of fun, without unnecessary packaging.
St Nicholas is coming again. A cosy time with presents. Unfortunately, this often also results in a lot of unnecessary packaging. We share some smart tips to celebrate Saint Nicholas more consciously and economically this year.
Tips for a smart Christmas season
By swapping smartly, reusing and thinking more sustainably, you will not only make Saint Nicholas more economical, but also better for the environment. Join in this year and make conscious choices that you will enjoy for a long time to come.
- Experiences instead of stuffThis year, give experiences as a gift, such as a fun day out. These are memories children will enjoy for years to come, without any extra stuff in the house.
- Make your own presents Still prefer to give something tangible? Handmade gifts are personal and valuable. Think about making something delicious or a creative project. This is not only cheaper, but also much more sustainable. You avoid packaging waste and save on the raw materials needed for new products. In this way, you are helping to create a better environment.
- Swapping toys instead of buying them Why buy new toys when you can exchange unused toys? Many homes still have perfectly good toys that are no longer being played with. Find a toy swap market near you, and swap for 'new' toys at no extra cost. This way, you will not only surprise the children, but also save money.
- Second-hand toys Not only swap markets, but also thrift shops, gift shops and online platforms, such as Marktplaats, offer plenty of choice in second-hand toys. You can often find toys there in excellent condition for a small fraction of the price. It's a win-win situation: less production of new stuff and more space in the wallet.
- Sustainable packing Wrapping paper often creates a lot of waste. Therefore, opt for more sustainable options such as a reusable wrapping sheet. This way, you can wrap your gifts sustainably time after time - without extra waste. You can also use a nice tea towel or a box that you reuse.
- Make a wish list Together with the children, make a list of what they really want. This will prevent premature purchases and allow for more targeted searching, so you spend less money.
- Buy less, but more consciously This year, choose quality over quantity. Go for a few valuable, durable items that will last for years.
- Intro text: Did you know that more than 40% of our residual waste consists of food waste, fruit, vegetable and garden waste? Good news! If you collect that GFT separately, much less residual waste remains. Good for the environment and your wallet. Discover useful tips and make a difference!
- Intro text: Autumn has begun, and that means we spend more time indoors. This is a good time to make your home cosier. Are you thinking about freshening up with paint or wallpaper? Both options have their pros and cons. But which choice is best for the environment and your home?
Autumn has begun, and that means we spend more time indoors. This is a good time to make your home cosier. Are you thinking about freshening up with paint or wallpaper? Both options have their pros and cons. But which choice is best for the environment and your home?
Paint and the environment
Paint is easy and quick to apply. Only, many paints are full of substances that are bad for the environment and your health. Most paint is made from oil and other materials that are not sustainable. This is not good for nature. Fortunately, there are eco-friendly paints, such as water-based or natural paints. These contain fewer harmful substances, are better for the environment and provide healthier air in your home. Keep in mind that even water-based paint often contains microplastics. These are small plastic particles that are harmful to the environment and animals.
Durable wallpaper
Wallpaper is a popular choice because there are many different colours and patterns. Yet not all wallpaper is equally eco-friendly. Some types are made from materials that are not as good for the environment. Fortunately, there are also more sustainable options, such as wallpaper made from recycled paper or natural fibres. This wallpaper often lasts longer and is better for the environment. Non-woven wallpaper is a super eco-friendly choice. It is made of materials that do not harm nature and it lasts for a very long time. Therefore, it is also a sustainable option.
What do you do with leftovers?
Do you have wallpaper or paint left over after doing odd jobs? Don't just throw it away. You can hand in old paint cans free of charge using your environmental card at the collection point for small chemical waste on the environmental street. Throw leftover wallpaper in the rubbish. Wallpaper does not belong in the used paper, because it contains glue and sometimes PVC (a type of harmful plastic) or other plastics. This way, you ensure that waste and raw materials are disposed of properly and help create a cleaner environment.
- Intro text: For many, reading is the best time to relax. But have you ever considered which option is better for the environment: a paper book or an e-book?
For many, reading is the best time to relax. But have you ever considered which option is better for the environment: a paper book or an e-book?
The benefits of e-books
E-books are more popular than ever. An e-reader can store hundreds of books and takes up less space. Yet producing an e-reader requires a lot of energy and raw materials, which can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, this offsets if you read at least 25 e-books in 5 years; then the impact is lower than if you bought the same amount of paper books.
Paper books: Still a favourite
Paper books remain the favourite. But their production is not without consequences. Trees are felled, and making paper consumes a lot of energy and causes CO2 emissions. For 120 paper books, this amounts to 153 kilograms of CO2.
Which is more sustainable?
According to experts, an e-reader is more environmentally friendly if you read enough books on it. But if you only read books occasionally, or buy second-hand books, a paper book can be just as sustainable.
In short, both options have advantages and disadvantages. So the next time you pick up a book, consider which is the best choice for you and for the environment.
