DO YOU WISH TO CONTRIBUTE to a greener society too?

It might be easier than you think. CHF-colleague and ‘chef sustainability’ Lisa Gritter shares her best tips on ways to make your expat life more sustainable.

1. SING (AND SAVE) IN THE SHOWER

In all apartments, a door hanger with a QR-code can be found in the bathroom. By scanning the QR code, you’ll find great sing-along songs on Spotify. These songs are no longer than four minutes, so when you belt out those last notes, it’s time to turn off the tap.

2. ENJOY THE LUXURY OF TAP WATER

Dutch tap water is among the best in the world. This might be new to you, if you’re used to buying bottled water. Now that you’re here, you can save many plastic bottles (and money) by drinking our delicious water straight from the tap.

3. MAKE SHARING A SOCIAL EVENT

Sharing is caring! Limiting your own food waste is always a great idea, but you could take it a step further. Share any leftovers with your neighbours, for example. You might even make new friends. Via apps such as Too Good To Go you can also buy unsold products that would otherwise end up in the trash, with a great discount.

4. SURPRISE YOURSELF IN THE KITCHEN

Eating less meat is a great way to reduce your footprint. Dutch supermarkets have lots of affordable alternatives to offer, such as ‘The Dutch Weed Burger’ that’s made of seaweed. And if possible: always opt for local and organic products.

5. GIVE NEW LIFE TO VINTAGE STUFF

As an expat you might be here for a short stay. What better way to give your apartment a personal touch than by buying decorations in a thrift shop or on online marketplace Marktplaats.nl? When you’re leaving, make sure to give those items a new life again.

6. GET AROUND LIKE A DUTCHIE

What else is as healthy, quick and joyful as riding your bicycle around town? Don’t miss out on this typical Dutch experience. Stormy day? Public transport is also very well-planned in the Netherlands.

7. REMEMBER TO RECYCLE

For recycling, it’s important to separate your household waste. We have different bins for plastics, glass, paper and everything else. In all of our apartments and in our office, we have waste disposal programs, making it as easy as can be.