5 minute read
Flip out tiles and save the climat
Flip out the tiles and save the climate
‘A day not flipped is a day not lived!’ Tile flipping is the green revolution of recent years. A simple but genius concept. In this article, we explore the origins of Tile Flipping, its impact and how we can embrace and promote this green trend.
Tile out, green in
Have you heard of Tile Flipping? If not, you have been living under a rock for the past few years. It started in 2020 as a playful competition between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, organised by Dutch creative agency Frank Lee and the collective Dus Wat Gaan Wij Doen (So, what are we going to do). The goal was simple but powerful: remove as many pavement tiles as possible and replace them with plants. A success as several cities followed suit and the initiative grew into a national movement in the Netherlands. During the NK Tegelwippen (National Championship Tile Flipping) , municipalities and cities compete to ‘flip’ the most tiles and win the Golden Tile.
In 2023, spurred on by the Flemish government’s Environment Department and Breekijzer vzw, Belgium also ventured into this green challenge. With success. This year, the BK and NK Tegelwippen will take place between March 21 and October 31. In the Netherlands, the Tegelteller (Tile counter) now stands at 2.059.433 tiles flipped. In Flanders at 364.381.
The impact of tile flipping
The game element is fun, but the initiative is mainly a gamechanger. People become aware of the importance of a greener environment.
More biodiversity
More plants and greenery creates new habitats for insects, birds and other animals. Thus increasing biodiversity, which is essential for healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Better water management
Replacing stones with greenery allows rainwater to seep into the ground better. This reduces the risk of flooding and reduces pressure on sewers.
Less heat stress
Green spaces help to reduce the heat island effect in cities. Plants and trees provide cooling and improve air quality, contributing to a more pleasant living environment.
Less stress
A recent study at KU Leuven conducted at MijnTuinlab shows that a biodiverse garden and more greenery in the neighbourhood is good for mental well-being. Incidentally, the effect also applies if neighbours have a biodiverse garden. An extra motivation to knock out the tiles.
Tile flipping as an opportunity for ornamental horticulture
More greenery on the streets means added value for you too. After all, you have the knowledge to advise and guide citizens in their purchasing behaviour. Here are some ways you can support and promote tile flipping:
Inspiring shop displays
Explain the concept of tile flipping in your shop with inspirational POS materials and show how customers can replace their own tiles with plants. Use eyecatching displays with examples of suitable plants that are perfect for urban gardens. You can order the POS material on our webshop.
Share care tips
Offer care tips for plants that are popular with tile flippers. This can range from information on watering
needs to advice on the best plant species for different types of soil and orientation.
Support projects
Work with local organisations and authorities to bring the tileflip projects to life. Consider demonstrations or certain discounts.
Tile out, put in these plants
Good news: lots of plants lend themselves to a tile garden. Of course, how many plants you plant depends on the number of tiles to be flipped and the position of the piece to be filled. Particularly suitable are these climbing plants: Clematis, Hedera, Passiflora, Wisteria, but also roses in their various forms (shrub roses, climbing roses, stem roses), perennials, grasses, bulbs. Above all, remember: the more flowering plants, the more attraction for pollinators.
Side note: not all plants suitable for a façade garden are available in our webshop during the autumn period. After all, they are not yet visual then.
Greening beyond borders
More greenery in public spaces is not only a trend in Belgium and the Netherlands. Similar initiatives are also emerging in other countries. German cities like Berlin and Hamburg are following the example of the Netherlands and Belgium. There are also subsidies for the construction of green roofs and façade gardens. In London, Pocket parks and façade gardens are ways to transform grey areas into green meeting places. French cities like Paris, in turn, are ambitiously pursuing urban
greening. Plans include vertical gardens, green schoolyards and promoting community gardening projects. Of course, greening is also high on the agenda in Scandinavia. Swedish cities, for instance, place a strong emphasis on sustainable urban design, including the expansion of green spaces. In many places, concrete is giving way to lawns and gardens.
Working together for a green future
Tile flipping is more than a trend: it is a movement towards a more sustainable and liveable urban environment. By working together and sharing our expertise in floriculture, we can make a significant contribution to this green revolution. Let’s join hands and guide our customers to take part in Tile Flipping. That way, we will build a greener future together, tile by tile. Is your tile flipping ready yet?
