National Climate Week

Together for a better climate. Flip the switch and join in!

Climate change has 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 round. You can start living more consciously at any moment. So why not today? Make the switch and join in!

What sustainable step will you take today?

Tips and ideas

Conscious travel

Traveling contributes significantly to your CO2 emissions. Therefore, the choices you make for your daily transportation and vacations make a difference to the climate. For example, did you know that driving accounts for almost 20 percent of your household's climate impact? By driving less, we can take significant steps towards a sustainable Netherlands. Cycling and walking are, of course, the most climate-friendly choices. But what about the train, car, bus, or tram? You can read about this here on the website of Milieu Centraal (Environmental Centre).

Can you manage to not waste any fuel for a week? Give it a try! Here are some useful tips.

• Drive economically. Preferably 100 instead of 130 km/h, with cruise control, and shift gears in time. Driving economically can save 10% on your fuel consumption. This can save you up to €180 per year.
• By inflating your tires every 2 months, you save about €60 per year. That's €10 per inflation.
• Take your electric bicycle to work. This will reduce your CO2 emissions by 60 times per kilometer compared to driving your car.

Making your house and surroundings more sustainable

One of the most impactful steps we can take to combat climate change starts right at home. By making conscious and sustainable choices in and around the house, you can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save money.

Why making your home more sustainable is important

Climate change is a significant threat to nature, our health and safety, and the availability of food and water. 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, don't forget to turn the thermostat down (15°C) when you're not at home.
• Solar energy: Consider installing solar panels on your roof. They not only generate clean energy but also save you money on your energy bill.
• Water conservation: Install water-saving shower heads and faucets. Reuse rainwater for the garden to save valuable tap water.
• Buy fewer items: Buy second-hand, borrow, share and swap. Maintain items well and repair them, then they will last longer and you will need less. If something is really unusable: hand it in separately.
• Sustainable building: When you renovate or build, opt for sustainable building materials and energy-efficient equipment.

Small steps with a big impact

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

• Sealing gaps: Gaps and holes in windows and doors can cause heat loss. Simple sealing with draught strips is a small effort with immediate results.
• LED lighting: Replace old incandescent and halogen lamps with energy-efficient LED lamps. They consume significantly less energy and last longer.
• Water Conservation Awareness: Shower for a maximum of five minutes, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and doing the dishes. These may seem like small things, but they save water and energy.
• Green garden, fewer tiles: A green garden has many advantages: it collects rainwater and provides cooling.

Smart use of materials 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 it important to buy things consciously?

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 buying things consciously have to do with this? The production of goods is responsible for a significant portion of global CO2 emissions. Consider the energy needed to extract materials, manufacture, and transport goods. By making more conscious choices, we can reduce these emissions and contribute to a better climate.

Tips for buying things consciously

It is not always easy to make conscious choices, 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.
• Renting or borrowing: Depending on what you need, renting or borrowing can be a suitable option. Why buy a drill that you only use three times a year, if you can just as easily borrow it from a neighbor or friend?
• Repair it or fix it up: Are you planning to buy something because the previous product broke down? Consider first whether it can be repaired. Many things can be repaired yourself or by a professional. 
• Buy second-hand or refurbished: By buying second-hand or refurbished items, you give them a second life and prevent new products from having to be made.
• Opt for sustainable materials: Are you still going to buy something new? Pay attention to labels that indicate that a product is made from recycled or sustainable materials. This reduces the demand for raw materials that are harmful to the environment. Need help making the right choice? Check 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 economical for both your wallet and the environment.
• Recycle: If you buy something to replace something that is broken or worn out, and the old product can no longer be repaired, make sure you dispose of the old product separately and responsibly, for example at the recycling center. Often there are parts in it that can be reused perfectly. If the product is still usable for a second life, sell it or take it to the thrift store. This way you can make others happy again.

Conscious eating for a better climate

It's time to examine our eating habits and make conscious choices for the well-being of our planet. Food has a significant impact on the climate. By eating differently, we can contribute to a better world. Below you can read why conscious eating is important and find tips to bring about a positive change.

Why is conscious eating important?

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

Climate change has 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. Eating consciously is a powerful way everyone can contribute to reducing these consequences.

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 have to become a vegetarian or vegan right away, but it doesn't hurt to try a meat-free meal more often.

If you eat meat, consider choosing sustainably produced meat or poultry. These generally have a smaller ecological footprint. Fish consumption can also be sustainable if you pay attention to quality marks that indicate that the fish stock remains healthy. With the VISwijzer you can check whether a fish species is a responsible choice.

What considerations do you make when eating consciously?

Mindful eating is about pausing to consider the choices you make. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

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

Concrete tips for conscious eating

To help you on your way, 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 products have a lower ecological impact because they are often grown locally.
• Waste less: Plan your meals, save leftovers, and use creative recipes to prevent food waste.
• Eat according to the Food Wheel: If you follow the Food Wheel, it's better for your health and the climate.
• Pay attention to quality marks: Look for quality marks that guarantee sustainability, such as the European organic quality mark.

Together we make the difference

Eating consciously is not only good for the climate, but also for your health and the world around you. By making changes to 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 a better place to live. Let's eat consciously together to make the world a better place.