- Intro text: Festive and sustainable! Make your Christmas shopping greener with these practical tips for conscious shopping.
Christmas is a time of celebration, but also a time of great shopping and waste. By shopping consciously, you can enjoy the festive season without a major impact on the environment. Here are some tips for sustainable shopping.
1. Buy local
Support local shops and markets. By buying locally, you reduce the distance products travel. This means less transport, lower CO2 emissions, and less environmental impact. Plus, you'll often find unique gifts you won't find in big stores.
2. Choose sustainable products
Choose gifts that are durable, reusable, or made from recycled materials. Organic products, like chocolate and wine, are also a conscious choice. These products often have a smaller ecological footprint and come from suppliers who trade fairly. This way, you can be sure you're making a positive impact!
3. Avoid unnecessary packaging
Many Christmas products are overpackaged. Choose products without plastic or in recyclable packaging. Get creative with wrapping; use fabric or reusable bags instead of wrapping paper. This not only reduces waste but also gives your gifts a unique look!
4. Plan your Christmas meal wisely
Shop responsibly. Don't buy more than you need, and choose seasonal and local produce. This makes food fresher, more flavorful, and less harmful to the environment. It also reduces the chance of leftovers.
5. Give the gift of experiences
Not everything has to be tangible. Give the gift of an experience, like a dinner, a day out, or a creative workshop. This creates lasting memories without leaving any waste behind.
With these small changes, you can make a big impact. Celebrate a cozy Christmas that feels good and is good for the world around you!
- Intro text: Is your paper recycling bin full and you don't know where to take it? Don't worry! Read here what you can do.
Is your paper bin completely full? Don't worry, there are plenty of ways to properly dispose of your old paper and cardboard. In this article, we offer helpful tips and explain how you can help ensure a smooth paper collection process.
5 tips for properly disposing of your old paper and cardboard
A full paper bin can be frustrating. You want to dispose of your paper and cardboard neatly, but what can you do if your bin is full? Use these handy tips and ensure your paper goes where it should.
1. Use space wisely
Do you have large cardboard boxes? Flatten them well and compress them before placing them in the container. This way, you can fit much more inside and prevent the container from filling up too quickly.
2. Take paper and cardboard to a collection container nearby
There are collection containers for paper and cardboard nearby. These are often located near shopping centers, apartment buildings, or residential complexes. You can dispose of your paper and cardboard there for free. This is convenient if your own container is full.
3. Request an additional paper container
Do you often have more paper and cardboard than your container can hold? No problem. You can request an additional 240-liter paper container for free. request.
4. Take paper and cardboard to the recycling center
You can also take paper and cardboard to the recycling center for free. Don't forget to bring your recycling pass.
5. Make agreements with your neighbors
On the day the paper containers are emptied, you can dispose of your paper in your neighbor's container, if there's still space, after consulting with your neighbors. Always discuss this with your neighbors beforehand. Make sure you break everything down and place it neatly in the container. This way, the neighborhood stays tidy and organized!
Together we keep the neighborhood clean
Don't place paper or cardboard next to the collection container. Besides the high cleanup costs for this violation, it also creates a mess in the neighborhood. Paper quickly gets wet and dirty or blows around as litter. By disposing of paper and cardboard correctly, we keep the neighborhood tidy and clean together.
- Intro text: What do you do with all that wrapping paper after a cozy Sinterklaas evening? Not everything can simply be recycled. We're sharing some clever tips for recycling and reusing paper sustainably.
After a successful evening of Sinterklaas, the floor is covered in wrapping paper. Before you take everything to the recycling bin, it's good to consider what can actually be recycled. Not all wrapping paper belongs in the wastepaper bin. We're sharing some clever tips for recycling paper sustainably – and even a few ideas for reusing it.
Identify recyclable paper with the "tear test"
A simple way to check if wrapping paper is recyclable is the "tear test." Try tearing the paper: if it tears easily, it can go in the recycling bin. Paper types such as single-sided laminated paper or more luxurious wrapping paper with a slight sheen (e.g., an aluminum-like coating) can also be recycled with the paper recycling bin. If you can't tear the paper, it belongs in the residual waste. This also applies to wrapping film, which should always be disposed of with the residual waste.
Give wrapping paper a second life
Instead of throwing away paper immediately, you can save and reuse the most beautiful pieces. Here are a few creative ways to give paper a second life:Rewrapping gifts: The sturdier pieces of wrapping paper can be saved for future gifts. By neatly folding pretty wrappers, you'll immediately have material for the next birthday or party.Crafting 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 life and is fun to do together.Make your own decoration: You can easily create decorations like flags, stars, or paper flowers from wrapping paper. Perfect for keeping the festive atmosphere going longer.
Wrapping gifts differently
Want to wrap gifts even greener? Consider a gift wrap, like a beautiful piece of fabric or a scarf. This way, you don't have to use disposable materials. A gift wrap is ideal for gifts of all sizes, can be reused again and again, and gives your gift a beautiful, luxurious look. This adds an extra personal touch to your gift and helps reduce waste.
Recycled and unprocessed wrapping paper, or even fabric wrapping cloths, are sustainable alternatives that make Sinterklaas and other holidays even more eco-friendly. These tips will make cleaning up for Sinterklaas evening fun and environmentally friendly. Happy holidays!
- Intro text: Most kitchen cupboards are often full of chemical and expensive cleaning products. With these eco-friendly recipes, you can make your house sparkling clean.
- Intro text: Discover clever tips for celebrating Sinterklaas consciously and affordably this year. From giving experiences to sustainable packaging: make Sinterklaas a fun-filled celebration, without unnecessary packaging.
Sinterklaas is coming again. A fun time with gifts. Unfortunately, this often also results in a lot of unnecessary packaging. We're sharing some clever tips to help you celebrate Sinterklaas more consciously and affordably this year.
Tips for a smart Sinterklaas period
By swapping, reusing, and thinking more sustainably, you'll not only make Sinterklaas more affordable but also better for the environment. Join in this year and make conscious choices that you'll enjoy for years to come.
- Experiences instead of thingsThis year, give the gift of experiences, like a fun day out. These are memories children will cherish for years to come, without adding any extra stuff to the house.
- Make your own gifts Prefer to give something tangible? Handmade gifts are personal and meaningful. Think of making something delicious or a creative project. This is not only cheaper but also much more sustainable. You prevent packaging waste and save on the raw materials needed for new products. This way, you contribute to a better environment.
- Swap toys instead of buying them Why buy new toys when you can swap unused ones? Many homes still have perfectly good toys that are no longer being played with. Find a toy swap meet near you and swap for "new" toys at no extra cost. This way, you'll not only surprise the kids but also save money.
- Second-hand toys Not only swap meets, but also thrift stores, gift shops, and online platforms like Marktplaats offer a wide selection of used toys. You'll often find toys in excellent condition there for a fraction of the price. It's a win-win situation: less production of new items and more money in your pocket.
- Sustainable packaging Wrapping paper often creates a lot of waste. So choose more sustainable options like a reusable wrapping paper. This way, you can wrap your gifts sustainably again and again – without creating extra waste. You can also use a nice tea towel or a reusable box.
- Make a wishlist Make a list with the children of what they really want. This prevents hasty purchases and allows for more targeted searches, meaning you'll 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 over 40% of our residual waste consists of food scraps, vegetable, fruit, and garden waste? Good news! If you collect your organic waste separately, you'll have significantly less residual waste. Good for the environment and your wallet. Discover helpful tips and make a difference!
Did you know that more than 40%* of our residual waste consists of food scraps, vegetable, fruit, and garden waste? Good news! If you collect your organic waste separately, you'll have significantly less residual waste. And that's not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. Curious how to easily do this? Discover helpful tips here and make a difference!
Use a handy organic waste kitchen bucket!
Want to easily separate your organic waste? Then a handy organic waste bin on your countertop is a smart solution. This allows you to collect your food scraps directly in the kitchen and then simply dispose of the contents of the bin for free using your recycling pass in the organic waste collection container or in the organic waste bin at your home. This way, your home stays nice and fresh.
Use the correct bags for your organic waste!
If you use bags to dispose of your organic waste, please note: only special, compostable bags with the seedling logo or OK compost logo are allowed in the organic waste. These are available at various shops and supermarkets.
Throw away organic waste for free
With your environmental pass, you can dispose of your organic waste for free in the organic waste collection container near you or in the container at your home. There's no additional charge for this.
Prevent nasty odors and bugs!
Nobody likes unpleasant odors or uninvited guests in the kitchen. Here are a few tips to prevent that:
- Place organic waste in the organic waste container as dry as possible.
- Wrap spoiling food scraps, such as meat and fish, in newspaper before placing them in the organic waste bin.
- Replace compostable bags every other day to prevent them from tearing.
- Clean your kitchen bin or organic waste container regularly with water and, if necessary, green soap.
Why is proper separation of organic waste important?
Organic waste (GFT) contains valuable raw materials that can be used to produce biogas and compost. Properly separating your organic waste also reduces residual waste. This is not only better for the environment, but also for your wallet. From now on, dispose of coffee grounds, potato peels, dead flowers, and food scraps, such as peels and bones, separately. Not sure if something belongs in the organic waste? For your convenience, we've compiled a list of all separation rules in a row put.
*Note: Residents of high-rise and low-rise buildings without a PMD container, such as in Gorinchem City Center and Leerdam town center, dispose of plastic packaging, metal packaging, and beverage cartons (PMD) together with their residual waste. To clarify: we collect this waste separately and it is later separated and recycled. 40% of organic waste refers to residual waste without this PMD.
For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips
- Intro text: Fall has arrived, and that means we're spending more time indoors. This is a great time to make your home more inviting. Are you considering a freshening up with paint or wallpaper? Both options have their pros and cons. But which choice is best for the environment and your home?
Fall has arrived, and that means we're spending more time indoors. This is a great time to make your home more inviting. Are you considering a 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 quick and easy to apply. However, many paints are full of substances that are harmful to the environment and your health. Most paint is made from oil and other unsustainable materials. This is not good for the environment. Fortunately, there are also environmentally friendly paints, such as water-based or natural paints. These contain fewer harmful substances, are better for the environment, and ensure healthier air in your home. Keep in mind, however, that even water-based paint often contains microplastics. These are tiny plastic particles that are harmful to the environment and animals.
Sustainable wallpaper
Wallpaper is a popular choice because it comes in so many different colors and patterns. However, not all wallpaper is equally eco-friendly. Some types are made from less environmentally friendly materials. Fortunately, there are also more sustainable options, such as wallpaper made from recycled paper or natural fibers. These wallpapers often last longer and are better for the environment. Non-woven wallpaper is a super eco-friendly choice. It's made from materials that don't harm the environment and is very durable. That's why it's also a sustainable option.
What do you do with leftovers?
Do you have leftover wallpaper or paint after a renovation? Don't just throw it away. You can return old paint cans for free to the collection point for recycling with your environmental pass. small toxic waste on the recycling center. Throw leftover wallpaper in the residual waste. Wallpaper does not belong in the old paper, because they contain glue and sometimes PVC (a type of harmful plastic) or other synthetic materials. This ensures that waste and raw materials are processed properly and contributes to a cleaner environment.
- Intro text: Reading is the best way for many people to relax. But have you ever considered which option is better for the environment: a paper book or an e-book?
Reading is the best way for many people 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. However, producing an e-reader requires a lot of energy and resources, which can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, this is offset if you read at least 25 e-books in five years; then the impact is lower than if you were to buy the same number of paper books.
Paper books: Still a favorite
Paper books remain the favorite. But their production is not without consequences. Trees are cut down, and paper production consumes a lot of energy and produces CO2 emissions. For 120 paper books, this amounts to 153 kilograms of CO2.
What is more sustainable?
Experts say an e-reader is more environmentally friendly if you read enough books on it. But if you only read occasionally, or buy used books, a paperback can be just as sustainable.
In short, both options have pros and cons. So the next time you pick up a book, consider what's best for you and the environment.
- Intro text: Products stored correctly last longer, especially if you keep them in the freezer. Prevent waste and discover how to make the most of your freezer with helpful storage tips.
Products stored correctly last longer, especially if you keep them in the freezer. Prevent waste and discover how to make the most of your freezer with helpful storage tips.
Freezer storage tips
- The best temperature for your freezer is -18°C. Bacteria don't grow at this temperature.
- However, the quality of products can deteriorate somewhat. Most products can be frozen for a long time without any loss of quality. For prepackaged frozen products, you can follow the expiration date and defrosting and preparation instructions on the packaging.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container or bag. Write down the contents and the freezing date.
- Freeze food in small portions. This way, it freezes faster and there's less or no condensation.
- Don't put too much in the freezer at once.
- You can store vegetables in your freezer for months longer by boiling them for 2 minutes before storing them in the freezer once they have cooled down.
- Always reheat frozen leftovers, meat and fish products, and vegetables from your freezer after thawing and eat them within 24 hours.
- Defrost the freezer every 3 months.
Source: Nutrition Center
- Intro text: Curious how to cook a delicious meal at home without wasting food? Our environmental coach Nelleke will take you to Michelin-starred restaurant De Gieser Wildeman, where René Tichelaar shows you how to create a delicious meal using an ingredient most people throw away.
Read more: Learn to cook waste-free with star chef René Tichelaar
