National Climate Week

Together for a better climate. Flip the switch and get involved!

Climate change brings serious consequences, such as extreme weather, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity.

Do something for a better climate, too!

You, too, can do something. The climate needs you all year long. You can start living a more conscious life at any time. So why not today? Pull the switch too and get involved!

What sustainable step are you taking today?

Tips and ideas

Conscious travel

Travel accounts for a significant portion of your CO2 emissions. So the choices for your daily transportation and vacations make a difference to the climate. For example, did you know that driving a car accounts for almost 20 percent of your household's climate impact? If we take the car less, we make great strides toward a sustainable Netherlands. Cycling and walking is of course the most climate-friendly choice. But what about the train, car, bus or streetcar? You can read about that here on Milieu Centraal' s website.

Can you manage to not waste fuel for a week? Try it! Here are some more helpful tips.

• Drive economically. Rather 100 than 130 km/h, use cruise control and shift gears in time. Driving economically can save 10% on your fuel consumption. Per year, it can save as much as €180.
• By pumping your tires every 2 months, you'll save about €60 a year. That's €10 per pump-up.
• Take the electric bike to work. By doing so, you will emit 60 times less CO2 per kilometer than going by car.

Sustainability in and around the home

One of the most powerful steps we can take to combat climate change begins simply at home. Making conscious and sustainable choices in and around the home can not only reduce your carbon footprint, but also save your own wallet.

Why sustainability in and around the home is important

Climate change is a significant threat to nature, our health and safety, and food and water availability. It leads to more extreme weather, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity. But we can do something about it. By making sustainable choices in our daily lives, we can reduce the impact of climate change.

Practical steps for sustainable living

• Save energy: Invest in insulation and double-glazing to minimize heat loss. Also remember to turn down the thermostat (15°C) when you are not home.
• Solar energy: Consider installing solar panels on your roof. They not only generate clean energy, but also save money on your energy bills.
• Water conservation: Install water-saving showerheads and faucets. Reuse rainwater for gardening to save precious tap water.
• Buy less stuff: Buy used, borrow, share and swap. Maintain stuff well and repair, then you'll last longer and need less. If something is really unusable: return it separately.
• Sustainable building: If you are renovating or building, choose sustainable building materials and energy-efficient appliances.

Small steps with big impact

Not all sustainable choices require large investments. Here are some simple, cost-effective steps you can take:

• Seal gaps: Cracks and gaps in windows and doors can cause heat loss. Simple sealing with draft strips is a small effort with immediate results.
• LED lighting: Replace old incandescent and halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use significantly less energy and last longer.
• Faucet awareness: Shower for a maximum of five minutes, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and washing dishes. They seem like small things, but they save water and energy.
• Green garden, less tiles: A green garden has many advantages: it captures rainwater and provides cooling.

Using stuff smartly for a better climate

Let's take a critical look at our buying habits and realize that what we purchase, from clothing to electronics, leaves a significant mark on the climate. It is high time to make more conscious choices that help reduce the impact on our planet.

Why is conscious stuff buying important?

Climate change is a serious problem that threatens the livability of our planet. It causes extreme weather, melting ice caps and rising sea levels. But what does conscious stuff buying have to do with this? Manufacturing stuff is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. Think of the energy required to extract materials, manufacture and transport stuff. By making more conscious choices, we can reduce those emissions and contribute to a better climate.

Tips for conscious stuff buying

Making conscious choices is not always easy, but with some practical tips, we can all do our part. Here are some concrete, simple tips:

• Avoid impulse purchases: Before you buy something, ask yourself if you really need it. Avoid impulsive purchases that end up unused in the closet.
• Rent or borrow: Depending on what you need, renting or borrowing may be an appropriate option. Why buy a drill you only use three times a year when you can just as easily borrow it from a neighbor or friend?
• Repair it or refurbish it: Want to buy something because the previous product broke? Consider first whether it can still be fixed. Many things you can fix yourself or have a professional fix them. 
• Buy used or refurbished: By buying used or refurbished items, you give them a second life and avoid having to make new products.
• Choose durable materials: Are you going to make your purchase new anyway? Look for labels that indicate a product is made from recycled, or sustainable materials. This reduces your demand for raw materials that are harmful to the environment. Need help making the right choice? Check out Keurmerkenwijzer.
• Invest in quality: Sometimes it's tempting to buy cheaper, less sustainable products. But in the long run, high-quality products that last longer can be more beneficial to both your wallet and the climate.
• Recycle: Are you buying something to replace something that is broken or worn out, and the old product is beyond repair? Then make sure you dispose of the old product separately and responsibly, such as at the recycling center. It often contains parts that can be reused. If the product can still be used for a second life, sell it or take it to a recycling center. That way you can make others happy too.

Conscious eating for a better climate

It is time to examine our eating habits and make conscious choices for the good of our planet. After all, food has a significant impact on the climate. By eating differently, we can contribute to a better world. Below is why conscious eating is important and tips on how to make a positive change.

Why is conscious eating important?

Let's start with the hard facts: food production accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. So the way we produce, process and consume our food has a huge impact on the climate.

Climate change brings serious consequences such as extreme weather, rising sea levels and loss of biodiversity. It affects not only the environment, but also our society and economy. Conscious eating is a powerful tool through which everyone can contribute to reducing these impacts.

What are the best choices to make?

Making conscious choices in your diet starts with a simple rule: eat more plant-based foods. Plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts and legumes, generally have a much lower climate impact than animal products. This doesn't mean you should immediately become a vegetarian or vegan, but it doesn't hurt to try meatless meals more often.

If you eat meat, consider choosing sustainably produced meat or poultry. These typically have a smaller carbon footprint. Fish consumption can also be sustainable if you pay attention to labels that indicate healthy fish stocks. Use the VISwijzer to check whether a type of fish is a responsible choice.

What considerations do you make when eating consciously?

Conscious eating is all about taking a moment to reflect on the choices you make. Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• Can I eat plant-based meals more often? Experiment with delicious vegetarian dishes and discover new flavors.
• Is this food sustainably produced? Look for labels such as the MSC label for fish or the EKO label for organic products.
• How much food am I wasting? Try to reduce food waste by buying smart and using leftovers.
• Where does my food come from? Choose local and seasonal produce to reduce transportation costs and emissions.

Concrete tips for conscious eating

To get you started, we share some simple tips:

• Eat less meat and dairy: Replace meat and dairy in your meals with plant-based alternatives, such as beans, tofu, or nuts.
• Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables: Seasonal produce has a lower environmental impact because it is often grown locally.
• Waste less: Plan your meals, save leftovers and use creative recipes to avoid food waste.
• Eat according to the Five: If you do follow the Five, it is better for your health and the climate.
• Pay attention to labels: Look for labels that guarantee sustainability, such as the European organic label.

Together we make a difference

Conscious eating is not only good for the climate, but also for your health and the world around you. By making changes in your eating habits, you can have a positive impact on the environment and contribute to reducing climate change. The choices we make in the supermarket and at the table have the power to make the world more livable. Let's eat consciously together to make the world a better place.