ArchiKids

During the art camp children are guided to build imaginary cities, houses, landscapes and many more… The variety of materials and exploration of the nearby park become the starting point of their creative projects. In English.

WOW Family Center 3 in1 Camp

The best of My Little van Gogh, Toddler Sense and Mini Professor all in one place, in Dutch and English.

ARTZUID Art Camp

Work like a mini artist at the ArtZuid camp, studying the masters, making your own work and finishing with an exhibition.

Bikes, Obstacles, Skates

Griffioenoutdoor BMX

Ride BMX bikes and learn the ropes at the Griffioen outdoor centre in Ookmeer.

Cooking, Dance, Music, Theatre

BeatZone Dance Camp

A different style of urban dance every day and a mini performance at the end of the week.

Damoves Summer Camp

Three days of dancing together and working towards a performance on Wednesday afternoon. But also we will do a special kids session on all three days… Kids Yoga, a Reiki session, a kids proof Cacao Ceremonie and a Comedy Musical workshop. Maximum ten kleuters. We also play outside under supervision of two people every day on the playground around the corner.Bring: dance clothes, lunch box. Snacks and drinks are provided.

Kinderkookles

Cooking summer camp: 2025 theme: Amsterdam

Toverknol Theater Camp

Playful theatre workshops with various themes in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Hockey

Panasj Hockey

Four day or week hockey camps at Hockey Club VVV, also suitable for beginners.

Sportways Hockey Camp

Intensive hockey camps at various Amsterdam hockey clubs AH&BC, Athena, HIC, Hurley, Pinoké and Westerpark.

Multisports

Little Star Fitness

Have fun while learning fundamental athletic skills and a healthy lifestyle in this multi sport camp, which has been happening since 2014.

Stichting Manege Waveren

The horse riding school is on the edge of the city, bordering fields and parks. The kids will take care of the ponies and also take them for small excursions.

Outdoor Camps

Sport4Kidz

A variety of water- and outdoor sports activities, held at Watersport Jeugdland in Amsterdam Oost.

Fun Camp

The Base camp of the Outdoor Center borders the Stroombroek recreation area, an ideal place for swimming, beach volleyball and chilling. You will certainly not be bored at the Fun Camp!

Terragon Nature Camp

All-weather activities camp on a 2.5 acre nature reserve in Amsterdam.

UP Events Kids

A wide variety of outdoor fun and games.

Science and Technology

The Science Camp

One full week of experiments, STEAM activities, practicing engineering and outside play. Pure fun!

Sailing & Surfing

Aalsmeer Zeilschool

Learn sailing in Aalsmeer.

Sport4Kidz Sailing

A week of sailing in an Optimist, combined with other fun outdoor activities like campfires or building rafts at Jeugdland.

Surfkamp Zandvoort

Juvigo offers multiple water sports and hockey camps. Perfect place for teenagers to enjoy water sports camps like kite surfing, surfing, and sailing.

Football

Ajax Camps

Football camps and clinics for kids of all ages and levels.

ProCamps

Day and week football camps at various locations.

Tennis

Drive ITT Tennis Linnaeushof

Tennis camps at different levels, combining fun and competition, at the tennis club Linneaushof right in the middle of Watergraafsmeer.

Tennis op Maat

Lots of tennis mixed with other fun and games at various tennis clubs.

School Camps

Amity School Camp

Daily activities vary based on age and are always developmentally appropriate and captivating. Beyond our activities, each week is themed to bring together the supervisors and children in unifying and fun-filled experiences. Also open for children who do not attend Amity.

The post Summer Holiday Camps 2025 appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

What’s Earth Overshoot Day?

Think of it like this: Planet Earth has an annual budget of natural goodies it can regenerate each year- clean air and water, forests, fish, fertile land, you name it. Earth Overshoot Day is the date when humanity, collectively, has used up that entire budget for the year. After that day, we’re basically dipping into next year’s resources and piling up waste like CO2. It’s calculated by comparing our global demand (our “Ecological Footprint”) with what the Earth can supply (its “biocapacity”).

May 5th? Already? The Dutch Overshoot Day

Here’s the surprising part: for 2025, the Netherlands’ Overshoot Day is estimated to be May 5th. That feels like it is early, right? Especially for a country known for being green and innovative. To put that into perspective, this implies that humanity’s consumption rate requires the resources of over 3 Earths to be sustainable for the year. It makes you wonder what’s going on behind the scenes in the Netherlands.

Why So Early for the Netherlands?

It’s a mix of things. Even with great green efforts, the average consumption level per person here is quite high. Plus, the Netherlands is a bustling, densely populated country on a relatively small piece of land. Historically, there’s been a reliance on fossil fuels (though the switch to renewables is happening!), and this is reflected in the footprint breakdown. The Carbon Footprint, mainly from burning fossil fuels for energy, transport, and industry, is the biggest chunk, making up about 60% of the total Dutch Ecological Footprint.

The large and intensive agricultural sector also plays a significant role. The Food Footprint (which includes cropland, grazing land for livestock, and fishing grounds) accounts for roughly 24% of the total footprint. High consumption of meat and dairy contributes significantly to this, and the country also faces challenges with high nitrogen emissions from agriculture. Also, in our globalised world, a lot of what we consume is linked to resources and production happening elsewhere.

You can check the Earth Overshoot days for others countries here:

https://overshoot.footprintnetwork.org/newsroom/country-overshoot-days/

Thinking Bigger: Planetary Boundaries

Earth Overshoot Day ties into a bigger idea called Planetary Boundaries. Scientists have identified nine key processes that keep our planet stable and liveable – things like climate stability, healthy biodiversity, and clean freshwater. These boundaries define a “safe zone” for us. Pushing past these limits increases the risk of major, potentially irreversible environmental changes. Sadly, we’ve already crossed several of these boundaries, which makes reducing our overshoot even more important.

Making a Difference, Amsterdam Style!

The good news? Living in Amsterdam gives us loads of great ways to help push that Overshoot Date back! We can all contribute in many ways:

• Embrace Dutch Transport: Getting around by bike, bakfiets, or public transport isn’t just practical here, it’s a powerful way to lower our carbon footprint.
• Tap into Great Water: Amsterdam’s tap water is excellent! Carrying a reusable bottle is such an easy win against single-use plastic.
• Eat Consciously: Shopping at local markets for seasonal produce and reducing meat consumption are tasty ways to be kinder to the planet.

For more ideas, check out the insights in the Amsterdam Mamas article, “The Circular Path to Sustainability” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/the-circular-path-to-sustainability/) and “Keeping it Cool” (https://amsterdam-mamas.nl/articles/keeping-it-cool/).

A Nudge for Earth Day and Every Day

Earth Overshoot Day is like an annual check-up for our planet, reminding us of the goals we celebrate on Earth Day. It shows us where we’re overspending our natural budget. Caring for our planet isn’t just for April 22nd; it’s an everyday thing. The aim is to #MoveTheDate back, year by year.

The post It’s Earth day everyday appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

Top Trees

Every year, the conversation around the most sustainable Christmas tree reignites. While artificial trees might seem environmentally friendly due to their reusability, the reality is more complex.

• A real tree, if disposed of responsibly (e.g., chipped for mulch or used as firewood), has a carbon footprint of about 3.5 kg of CO₂ over its lifecycle. If left to decompose in a landfill, this footprint jumps to 16 kg of CO₂ due to methane emissions.
• By contrast, an artificial tree’s production and disposal create a much higher footprint—around 40 kg of CO₂—requiring many years of use to rival the environmental impact of a real tree. Nearly 90% of them are shipped across the world from China and are made with plastic which is toxic and often ends up in landfills.

When sustainably grown (without pesticides) and recycled properly, real trees are the eco-friendlier option. Beyond their low environmental impact, tree plantations also provide habitats for various species.

In Amsterdam, the municipality makes it easy to dispose of Christmas trees sustainably. With 2,000 collection points across the city, residents can drop off their trees between December 27 and January 19. These are then turned into compost, closing the loop on tree waste. Find your nearest collection point on the municipality’s official website.

There are also even more sustainable ways to enjoy a Christmas tree:

1. Potted Trees: Purchase a living tree in a pot and reuse it every year. Not only does this reduce your carbon footprint, but the tree continues to absorb CO₂ throughout its life.
2. Rent a Tree: Services like Kerstboom.nu allow you to rent a tree that is replanted after the holidays.
3. Adopt a Tree: Programs like Adopteer Een Kerstboom provide an option to “adopt” a tree for reuse, combining the joy of a real tree with sustainable practices.
4. Skip the Tree: Create a festive atmosphere using natural, reusable materials—garlands of greenery, handmade wreaths, or even a creative wall display.
5. Use a home plant you already have and decorate it!
6. Forage for an already fallen branch, bring it home and use it as tree. Post Christmas you can return it to the woods and use it again for Easter as an Easter tak.

(Don’t) Shop till you drop

The Holiday season (most often) comes with a frenzy of shopping, but a circular approach can bring meaning and sustainability to your celebrations. If you’re new to these ideas, check out our recent article on The Circular Path to Sustainability, which offers practical tips on adopting circular principles in everyday life. Applying these ideas during Christmas can make your celebrations more meaningful and eco-conscious:

• Second-Hand Items: Surveys show that nearly half of the respondents believe the stigma around second-hand gifting is fading, and that platforms like Marktplaats and thrift stores (kringloop winkels) in Amsterdam offer pre-loved treasures. This approach is also certainly budget friendlier..
• Experience Gifts: If second-hand gifting isn’t your style, consider tickets to a museum like the NEMO Science Museum or an ice-skating pass for the festive rink in Museumplein. An ‘experience gift’, can be shared together and create lasting memories without producing waste.
• Mindful Consumption: Avoid the “buy-now” trap. (Try the documentary The True Cost, to see how overconsumption has hidden environmental and social costs.)
• DIY Décor: Get creative with the kids! Use natural elements like pinecones, dried oranges, and paper chains to craft unique decorations.
• Recycled Lights: Use LED lights, which are energy-efficient and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements next year.
• Second-Hand Ornaments: Hunt for unique, vintage ornaments in Amsterdam’s thrift stores or markets for make a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree this year!

By rethinking your Christmas trees, Christmas gifts, and Christmas decorations, you can celebrate a Christmas that’s truly giving ‘joy to the world’.

The post I’m dreaming of a ‘green’ Christmas appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

We live in a world built ‘of, by and for’ a linear economy, where daily habits involve ‘take, make, use, and throw away’. This approach to consumption is not only resource-intensive but also unsustainable, contributing to enormous amounts of waste and greenhouse gas emissions that are driving the climate crisis to a pinnacle. Here are some facts about the fashion industry, as an example, to think about:

• Up to 100 billion new garments are produced each year, yet 87% of materials end up in landfills, contributing to 92 million tons of textile waste annually.
• Each year, 23 billion pairs of shoes are manufactured, and 22 billion are thrown away, creating a staggering amount of waste.
• The fashion industry alone is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than the aviation and shipping industries combined.
• Textiles in landfills also release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, accelerating global warming.

Despite global commitments like the Paris Agreement, the climate crisis shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, projections indicate that temperatures could rise by more than 2°C if current trends continue.

But what is Circularity?

Imagine a forest. In nature, nothing goes to waste. When leaves fall, they decompose, enriching the soil for new plants to grow. Animals eat plants, and their waste becomes fertiliser. Everything in nature is reused or recycled, thus sustaining life without creating garbage.

What if we looked at our daily activities and products used in a similar fashion? Circularity offers us this opportunity, it is a refreshing alternative to the wasteful “take, make, and dispose” model. The idea is to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible, reducing waste and harmful environmental impacts in the process. By maximising a product’s lifespan, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with both new production and end-of-life disposal while continuing to receive the same benefits.

The city of Amsterdam is at the forefront of adopting the circular economy, with a bold target to become 100% circular by 2050. As families in Amsterdam, we have the power to make this vision a reality in our everyday lives. Here are some practical ways your family can contribute to a circular economy and make a lasting impact:

• Buy Second-Hand: Before buying new items, consider second-hand options for children’s clothes, toys, and furniture. Platforms like Vinted, Marktplaats, or local thrift shops/kringloop winkles offer great alternatives. By choosing second-hand, you reduce demand for new resources and save money—making it a win for both your wallet and the environment.
• Repair Instead of Replace: Children outgrow things quickly, and items often break. Instead of discarding them, try repairing them. Amsterdam’s Repair Cafés provide spaces where you can fix everything from broken toys to strollers. These cafés also offer advice on DIY repairs, empowering you to extend the life of your belongings. Innovative products like the Fairphone (a smartphone designed for easy repair) are great examples of circular products designed to last.
• Buy Circular Products: Look for companies that prioritize circularity, such as Patagonia, known for its durable, repairable gear, or MUD Jeans, which offer jeans that you can lease, repair, or return for recycling.
• Swap and Share: Participate in community swap events or create your own swap groups with friends and neighbours. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation provides a great analogy: A drill is typically used for only a few seconds in its lifetime so why buy one when you can share it? Swapping baby clothes, toys, and household items reduces waste and creates opportunities for others to benefit from things you no longer need.
• Upcycle with Your Kids: Get creative and turn old items into something new through upcycling. Whether it’s transforming old clothes into tote bags or using packaging for craft projects, upcycling is a fun family activity that teaches kids the value of creativity and sustainability. It’s also a great way to reduce waste and give old items new life.

Let’s start with small, intentional changes — As families in Amsterdam, we have the chance to lead by example and support the city’s ambition to become fully circular by 2050.

The post The circular path to sustainability appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

In a dramatic sign of the escalating climate crisis, the past twelve months have been the hottest on record globally, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), a climate monitoring service funded by the European Commission. Regions across the world are experiencing unprecedented heat waves, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels, threatening lives and livelihoods.

The global conversation about climate change often revolves around the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This target, established by the Paris Agreement, is crucial for mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change. But what does 1.5 degrees mean?

1.5 degrees explained

Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius means that by the year 2100, the world’s average surface temperature will have risen no more than 1.5°C (2.7°F) warmer than pre-industrial levels. The 1.5°C threshold was the stretch target established in the Paris Agreement in 2015, a treaty in which 195 nations pledged to tackle climate change. It’s a political target but informed by science, by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

At 1.5 degrees of warming, significant impacts will already be evident, including more frequent and severe heatwaves, increased droughts, and more intense storms. Coral reefs are likely to decline by 70-90%, and there will be greater risks to health, livelihoods, food security and water supply. Beyond 1.5 degrees, the impacts become more severe. We are already experiencing these changes, as the average global temperature over the past 12 months was 1.63 degrees above pre-industrial levels, according to C3S. Although the 1.5-degree target refers to long-term warming over decades, scientists warn that this temporary breach is alarming.

What does 1.5 degrees mean for families, and how can we adapt our lifestyles to contribute to this global effort?

Families are at the heart of communities, and the choices they make collectively can have a significant impact on the environment. From daily habits to long-term investments, each decision contributes to either exacerbating or mitigating climate change. Embracing a 1.5 degrees lifestyle involves making mindful changes that reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

Steps to a 1.5 Degrees Lifestyle for Families

Reduce Energy Consumption: According to the European Environment Agency, industry is responsible for 26% of total emissions, while households account for 25%. This means that the general public’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is nearly equal to that of the industrial sector. Therefore, using energy-efficient appliances, switching to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, and improving home insulation to reduce heating and cooling needs can play a crucial role in reducing emissions.

Sustainable Transportation: Opt for walking, cycling, public transport, carpooling or electric vehicles over traditional fossil fuel-powered cars.

Dietary Changes: Food production is responsible for one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, making our daily dietary choices a significant factor in environmental degradation. According to a graphic from Our World In Data, which illustrates GHG emissions from 29 food products, animal-based foods generally have a higher carbon footprint than plant-based ones. Therefore, reducing meat consumption, especially beef and lamb which are the highest emitters, can be particularly impactful.

Waste Reduction: Minimize waste by recycling, composting, and reducing plastic usage. Aim to buy products with minimal packaging and consider second-hand options.

Conscious Consumption: Adopting a “1.5 degrees lifestyle” involves making choices that reduce your carbon footprint, such as mindful consumption, supporting eco-friendly brands, and reducing overall material consumption.

Advocate and Educate: Support policies and leaders committed to climate action and educate others about the importance of reducing carbon footprints and adopting sustainable practices.

Adopting a 1.5 degrees lifestyle is not about sacrifice at all; it’s about improving quality of life for you and your families and all future generations. Families can enjoy healthier diets, more physical activity, and a stronger sense of community. Financial savings from reduced energy and water bills are a bonus. Most importantly, it fosters a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that your family is contributing to a healthier planet.

The post Keeping it Cool appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

If the city’s hoofdgroenstructuur is a new concept for you, as it was for me, please read on, because I’ve done some digging about what it means for Amsterdam and its residents, so that you can cast your votes with some background knowledge and, hopefully, confidence!

As we are all witnessing, Amsterdam continues to grow as more people move to the city, requiring homes and other amenities. The Amsterdam Gemeente has produced the Amsterdam Environmental Vision 2050 (‘2050 Vision’), with a view to ensuring that the city’s green areas continue to be strengthened and protected as the city grows. This recognises that greenery is important for residents’ mental and physical health and recreation, as well as for nature, biodiversity, flood prevention and city cooling.

A number of Amsterdam residents have collected more than 11,000 signatures, objecting to certain elements of the 2050 Vision, and these are enough to trigger a public referendum on it, asking residents whether they are for or against the hoofdgroenstructuur. This is an advisory referendum, and its result is non-binding, but it will provide the Gemeente with a feeling for the public mood surrounding its proposals.

Against

You can read more about the reasons to vote against the hoofdgroenstructuur via this link: https://rhgs.nl

For

You can read more about the reasons to vote for the hoofdgroenstructuur via this link:

https://www.amsterdam.nl/wonen-leefomgeving/hoofdgroenstructuur/

Rather counterintuitively, the main reasons cited for voting against the hoofdgroenstructuur is that its green protections don’t go far enough and nor are they binding by law. Instead, those fighting against the Gemeente’s plans want to see further consultation with residents that result in stronger protections for the city’s green places.

Happy voting to you all tomorrow!

The post Tomorrow’s Vote on Amsterdam’s Green Space Policy – What’s it all About? appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

DIY Upcycling: Make Your Own Bird Feeder

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day is by repurposing everyday items to create something new and useful. A simple and enjoyable DIY activity for kids is making their own bird feeders using recycled materials. Not only does this activity teach kids about going green, but it also encourages creative thinking and gives an opportunity for children to connect with nature. Hearing the birds chirping outside is a great way to increase biophilic responses, as nature sounds are found to have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing.

Supplies needed:

• One tin can, clean and label removed.
• Paint of assorted colours (acrylic/water resistant) or decorative paper
• Paint brushes (if using paint)
• Ribbons/ strings
• Bird Seed
• Sturdy stick to act as a perch for the birds.

Instructions to put it together:

• Take the paper off of your tin can and paint the can in the desired colour. Leave it to dry and add another coat of paint if needed. You can also use decorative paper to wrap up the tin can instead of painting.
• If using paint, let the paint dry and add whatever other decorative elements you want using other colours.
• When the paint is dry, cut a long piece of ribbon about 18 to 24 inches long and tie it around one end of the tin can, leaving the two long edges at the top. Tie the two ends together to loop over a branch for hanging.
• Repeat this on the other end of the tin.
• Glue the stick into the can to function as a perch.
• When the glue is set, fill the can about halfway with seed and hang it sideways from a branch.

Your Earth Day craft is finished! Now hang it in the balcony or garden and sit back and watch the birds come in for a snack with your kids! Sometimes it can take a week for the birds to discover and start feeding from this new feeder so be patient.

Books to Inspire Young Environmentalists

Reading together is another wonderful way to introduce children to important environmental concepts and here are four recommended books to read to/with their kids this month:

1. “The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: This classic tale tells the story of the Lorax, who speaks for the trees, and teaches children about the importance of conservation and protecting our natural resources.
2. “Wangari’s Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa” by Jeanette Winter – Based on the true story of Wangari Maathai, this book tells the inspiring tale of how she empowered her community in Kenya to plant trees and restore the environment, ultimately leading to her winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
3. “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein: It is a cautionary tale about human exploitation of nature and the consequences of taking more than we give back.
4. “The Earth Book” by Todd Parr: In this colorful book, Todd Parr highlights different ways children can help take care of the Earth, such as conserving water, planting trees, and recycling.

Hope these activities are able to instill appreciation for the earth at a young age and empower our children to become stewards of the earth.

Let’s make every day Earth Day!

The post We Only Have One Earth appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

In the Netherlands, the winters tend to be long, wet, cold, and gray. For me, that’s fine; I prefer the cool to the heat. My favourite days are those spent alone in my home, rain falling outside; there’s loads to do, but all within the confines of my orchids, my teas and my music. (#homebody)

I am originally from Malaysia where there are two seasons: humid/no-rain/hot and humid/loads-of-rain/hot. Basically it’s hot and sticky. Australia, where I spent my early adulthood, introduced me to seasonal gardening, which I grew to enjoy very much. I learned best-practices and tips to coax plants to reward my attention with blooms and fruit from the mother-in-law and the gardening gurus in Australia.

Now, living in Amsterdam, I am finding more opportunities to build upon my existing knowledge.

For instance, I learned that the hortensia (hydrangea) in the Netherlands do not need pruning to offer up a profusion of blooms. In Australia, gardeners know that to encourage best growth for the coming year, you arm yourself with pruners, a wheelbarrow and a large glass of red wine in autumn (April/May).  Half an hour later, your verdant hydrangea bushes with late season blooms are reduced by over half their previous size and now resemble a bunch of sticks that were attacked by a toddler with a pair of scissors. But the (now slightly inebriated) gardener with the shaking hands walks away, knowing their hydrangea is poised for better things next spring/summer.

Pro Tip: go make friends with the older members of your local area who have thriving gardens. They love to educate us ‘young ones’ on life skills like gardening! *

The Winter Garden

Winter is a challenging time for the gardener. Everything appears to be sleeping and the garden looks a bit sad, to say the least, and here in Amsterdam, we don’t even get the constant snow that conceals our plants’ rather sorry apearance, but there is a bright side! I’ve realised that because so much of our housing in Amsterdam is in apartments and off the ground, nurseries and tuinwinkels here offer a very large range of indoor plants. And of course, many outdoor plants survive the winter with some forethought prep.

OUTDOORS

Olive standards are pretty. The leaves can be protected, although some leaf loss is unavoidable. So point one to olives! But frost needs to be avoided so place them against the wall or under a canopy. The leaves will naturally turn to face and reach for the sun, so the potted plants need to be rotated every few months to ensure equal growth all around. In the winter, if you do not have frost cover, you can purchase lightweight, light-transmitting cheesecloth-canvas to cover the plant. Read more here. 

Hydrangea don’t seem to lose their leaves here in the Netherlands over the winter, but they won’t produce blooms. I find I cannot help but prune and de-head mine though!

Buxus are shrubs with tight, small, green leaves that are predominantly evergreen. These are popular hedge plants and feature most prominently as topiaries, as once they are established, buxus are easily shaped. English buxus grow slowly while the Japanese buxus are faster growers. (Note: I didn’t say they were fast… just faster than slow.)

Camellias are evergreen, winter flowering trees. Typically, camellias are short trees, so can be classified as a large bush. They produce a profusion of blooms in winter, and have some frost-resistance. They prefer being in the ground, but if you keep them pruned, narrow camellias can survive for 5-8 years in large pots.

Bamboo provides a handy hedge as a privacy screen in our apartment-filled city. Bamboo is rather winter-hardy and while it can suffer from frost damage, a well established and fertilised plant in the growing months will ensure a quick recovery. Looks best when planted en masse, but be warned, many strains are fast growers and do best planted in large trough pots. I love the soft, whimsical look that the fine, pale green leaves add to soften an outdoor space and hide unsightly fences.

Azaleas are pretty when they’re in flower. They are an early spring bloom too, which is great for container gardens. Remember to remove the dead blooms by hand.

Fatsia is a gorgeous green plant with large green maple-like leaves. They are primarily an indoor plant but will survive outside in the sunniest spot in winter. On patios, they can grow up to 3 metres high and do not require frost cover.

Dusty Miller (silver ragwort) are plants that have attractive silver foliage. These are great to provide contrast to other greens and reds in your garden pots.

Rosemary is really hardy once they’re established and don’t die off in winter. My tips on growing rosemary are to keep them in large container pots. To avoid a mature rosemary plant going woody, trim it often and be quite aggressive. The smaller branches make excellent kebab skewers and the leaves can be dried to add to your cooking.

Thyme is also another herb which will be fine left in container pots in your outdoor balcony. See above.

Salvia/sage is an excellent garnish in pasta dishes, when deep fried. Their pale green-silver foliage is attractive and the bushes are a pretty sight in container pots.

Butterfly bushes (buddleia) produce beautiful blooms of vibrant colour. They attract butterflies and bees are also attracted to the pollen. They are very winter hardy and look superb blooming en masse in the spring/summer months.

INDOORS

Indoors, we can still have our green. And blooms. I have my orchids and my ferns. One day, I hope to boast a 12 meter high fiddle fig leaf plant in the middle of my apartment (just like the one I spotted this past weekend in the atrium at Café​ De Plantage).

Most indoor plants will require a little more watering than normal because homes in Amsterdam tend to be heated for at least some part of the day. I always plunge my finger into the soil. If it’s dry, you’ll need to water.

Orchids. What I tend to do with my orchids in winter is one morning every week, I sit them in the plugged sink and let water pool in the bottom for about 15 minutes. (Remember to remove the plastic bucket that they often come in, from the planter, so that no water pools in the planter).  The health of the orchid is in the roots. Keeping the roots green and plump but not sitting permanently in water is the way to encourage blooms throughout the year.

Other plants (e.g. ferns) prefer to have a little water in the bottom of the planter so that the roots can grow towards the water and take in water when needed. Your local garden shop should be able to advise you on this.

Chinese Money (Pilea peperomioides) plants are nice plants that stay evergreen. They don’t produce flowers, but offer your tabletop bang for your buck with their round, flat, green, wavy and thick leaves. These do not require fastidious watering. I water mine year-round every 10 days.

Banana Palm and Fiddle Fig Leaf are beautiful indoor trees that provide large green leaves. The great thing about plants in this range is that you’re able to fill a corner with interest without doing anything permanent when you’re renting. These plants have an architectural beauty and sculpture to them. Note that they don’t flower or fruit when kept indoors. You’ll also need to water them frequently.

Ferns are pretty space filler. (And they’re great for the environment because each small leaf is a CO2 sucker!).  Sit them in the bottom of the plugged sink with 2-3cm of water. Great for hanging, great for plant stands, great for bathrooms, great for toilets.

Hoya are climbers with medium sized thick, waxy leaves that produce pretty little star-shaped flowers. I’m a big fan of them. The varieties available with blooms are amazing. You can plant them outside, but they do not like frost.

String of Pearls or String of Hearts These sweet little danglers are very trendy at the moment, but they have been a favourite of mine for some time. They thrive best when allowed to dangle down over the side of the pots, so they look spectacular in macrame hanging baskets or hanging pots. String of Pearls are succulents so require minimal watering, while the String of Hearts does require watering once a week. They do not flower, but the green round pearls add so much character, as do the little dark green leaves shaped like hearts.

Disclaimer: This is all from my own plant knowledge, which is clearly not exhaustive and I had to select plants from a long list of possibles for this article.

* Many thanks to Hans Oudmaijer who helped me with this list and added invaluable natice Dutch experience and insights.

Photo credits: All photos © Audrey Coggins

The post The Amsterdam Winter Gardener appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

I decided to start down the path to zero waste two years ago, after my daughter, then aged five, came home from school and declared: “Plastic is too strong for the planet. It will fill up the oceans and never go away.”

I spent much of my career as a sustainability consultant, driving companies toward better business practices, including reducing their waste. That day, I glanced at my own household trash and thought: Am I really doing everything I can to show my kids how to take action?

The statistics around plastic pollution are pretty dismal: only 9% of manufactured plastic has been recycled. If converted to cling wrap, the amount of plastic waste on earth is enough to wrap the entire planet once over; and by 2050 plastic will outnumber fish in the sea.

My mantra is “Don’t be perfect, just get started.”

Most of us want to reduce our waste and our plastic use, but that idea can be pretty daunting: almost everything—from food to shampoo to batteries—comes wrapped in plastic or some sort of packaging at most stores. However, as the zero-waste lifestyle becomes more popular, more zero-waste stores and package-free options are popping up, and it’s making it easier to avoid unnecessary packaging. My mantra is “Don’t be perfect, just get started.”

Zero Waste Is Not About Perfection

The idea of zero waste can sound too extreme. For me, much of what I saw on social media was unattainable; for example, the person who only accumulates a mason jar’s worth of trash in a year. Impossible! Especially with kids!

But zero waste is not at all about doing things perfectly. Within corporations, we use a standard definition of zero waste as “95 percent diversion of waste from landfill.” Zero waste is not about being perfectly zero. Package free shopping options are making it easier to get started, but no one can truly live and make literally no waste.

Basic Principles of Zero Waste

Zero waste is about is avoiding unnecessary waste, especially single-use plastic and plastic disposables, as much as possible. It is not about one big lifestyle shift, but rather doing lots of little things to reduce waste as consistently possible.

It’s about changing daily routines:

• Refuse single-use disposables
• Reduce what you consume
• Repair and re-use things that still have life

And because some waste is inevitable, it’s about trying to

• Rot (compost) and
• Recycle the rest

Waste Reduction: A Simple Approach

If only many more shops in Amsterdam had bulk aisles, carried package-free produce, or otherwise made zero waste easier! Despite the existing challenges, there are things everyone can do. Here are 5 ways to start reducing waste immediately:

1) Be Prepared With a Tote 

Put together a small bag with some or all of the following items:

• Reusable water bottle
• Container for taking leftovers or purchasing food when out
• Cloth napkin
• Cutlery

Being prepared in this way allows you to say NO to disposables like plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and cups when you’re on the go. Plastic disposables cannot be recycled and always wind up in landfill, or worse, the environment. Bever has a nice selection of reusable containers, although always use containers you already have before buying new.

2) Switch To A Bar for Shampoo, Conditioner, Dish and Hand Soap

Not all bar soap is created equal. Shampoo and conditioner bars are an easy zero waste swap because they are great on hair plus both are perfect for travel or toting to swim class – just toss in your bag. Dish soap bars are specially formulated to cut grease and make dishes shine, all without the plastic waste. Here in Amsterdam, DIY Soap and the online shop Oodles & Pinches both have good selections.

3) Buy Loose Produce, and Don’t Forget Your Own Bags

Albert Heijn customers alone use around 170 million plastic bags for fruit and vegetables each year! Yet Amsterdam is filled with places to buy loose produce – small grocers and outdoor markets are plentiful in many neighbourhoods, and are usually cheaper too. Although, if you are in a supermarket, opt for the loose produce versus pre-wrapped. Either let the produce roll loose in your cart or bring along a few smaller reusable produce bags. Many stores including Ekoplaza, Delicious Food, and Little Plant Pantry, the newest zero waste store in Amsterdam, have cloth produce bags for purchase.

4) Rot (aka compost) Whatever You Can 

Almost 25% of the waste stream is made up of organic and compostable materials like paper, vegetable scraps and fruit peels. Once food is packed into a landfill it does not decompose and it begins to emit high levels of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes big time to climate change. So, while composting does take effort to get started, its positive impact on the planet is huge. Some neighborhoods in Amsterdam have worm hotels (wormenhotels), you can contact the Gemeente to see if you can add your waste to one. Otherwise, outdoor garden and indoor kitchen vermicomposting are also options. I have a vermicompost in my kitchen from Balkonton and my kids think it’s a lot of fun!

5) Recycle as a Last Resort

Know what can and cannot be recycled in your neighbourhood and separate your items accordingly. For hard plastic items that can’t be recycled by the city take it to Zero Waste Lab. Only about 20% of plastic is actually recycled because demand just can’t keep up with consumption, which is why recycling comes as a last resort.

Think Outside the Box Everyday

Zero waste is also about thinking outside the box everyday and selecting no-waste or plastic-free alternatives as much as possible. Nowhere do I see more opportunity for this than with traktaties, the creative treats kids dole out on birthdays in the Netherlands. While they bring the kids a lot of joy to make and receive, they usually end up forgotten in a matter of hours (at least in my house). There are so many wonderful ideas available online on how to make traktaties that don’t involve plastic—just search through Pinterest or Amsterdam Mamas’s Facebook feed and you’ll be convinced! Also, consider using paper party bags and fill them with candy from a bulk bin (many Etos have these) or giveaways like notebooks, masks and stickers instead of plastic balloons, bubbles and other plastic trinkets that will quickly end up in the trash.

Every Change Has an Impact

The bottom line is there still needs to be more options in more Amsterdam neighbourhoods to facilitate going zero waste at scale and meet the growing wishes of Amsterdammers to reduce plastic consumption. But in the meantime, every purchase you make (or don’t make) is a vote. I recommend people take waste reduction step by step, and remember that every small change toward less waste is positive. Plastic may be strong, as my daughter said, but together we are stronger.

Photo credits: Erica Isaacson

The post Going Zero Waste in Amsterdam? YES! appeared first on Amsterdam Mamas.

The months of July and August—and in some cases September—are prime holiday periods with scores of people travelling to holiday destinations the world over.  Close your eyes and think about your dream holiday destination. I bet you see yourself surrounded by lush green forests or relaxing in a cabin on a mountain or lying on the beach with a refreshing drink in your hand. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it?

While we all enjoy going to our favourite destinations, do we truly consider the environmental and social impact of our travel habits?

Cost of Tourism

Last year while preparing for our much-anticipated trip to Santorini, I started thinking about the real cost of tourism to such dream-destinations. The sheer number of tourists visiting, whether for overnight stays or day visits, generate an incredible amount of waste, and can cause strain on local resources which may, for instance, cause water shortages.

While we enjoy going to our favourite destinations, how many of us stop to think about the environmental cost of such travel?

Tourism is indeed an essential source of income for the locals, but at what cost?  In a bid to conserve the local coral reefs, the picturesque Maya Bay on Phi Phi island in Thailand is closed till 2021.  A stretch of Bali in Indonesia was declared a “garbage emergency” when a diver’s film about swimming around plastic went viral. These are just two of many stories emerging to illustrate the ugly side of excessive tourism. So, as much as I love to travel, I ask myself, what can I do to change this destructive course?

Travel Carbon Footprint

Mode of Transport

I find carbon footprint calculators confusing, and I know most of us aren’t inclined to do the math all the time. But do consider this simplified take on CO2 emissions.

Air travel has the most significant carbon footprint but is often the most viable choice due to time, distance and budget constraints.  The alternative to flying is to travel by train. It may be more time consuming, but in most cases, has a lower carbon footprint and can be quite fun and relaxing. Many of us also choose to drive, and if we can make this journey in an electric or hybrid car, we cut down significantly on emissions. Unfortunately, these green cars are not yet the norm due to their cost and lack of infrastructure like regular charging points.  However, the flipside to this argument is that since flights and trains carry a lot more passengers than a fossil-fuel-powered car, the carbon emission per person is much less.

Sustainable Choices

Once at our destination, whether it be a hotel, a hostel, a holiday home, a campsite or bed and breakfast, I always try to think of ways to enjoy our stay in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Enjoying the luxury of a 5-star hotel is fun, I cannot argue that, but these rank low on sustainability because their priority is guest comfort and high standards of service. No matter how many times we reuse our bath towels or refuse ‘housekeeping’, running a luxury hotel equals waste and pollution; 24-hour air conditioning, immense amounts of laundry, excessive food production and waste and tonnes of plastic generated through single-use toiletries.

When I plan a  holiday in the Netherlands or even Germany, Belgium or France, I opt for rail travel. It’s cost-effective, low on carbon footprint and fun! I try and use public transport as far as possible when I’ve reached my destination,  instead of renting a car. If travelling by air, I try to pack light.    The heavier the load an aircraft is carrying, the more fuel it will need to make the journey. Same goes if you plan to drive. More weight equals more fuel used. I also look for flights on green and eco-friendly airlines where possible.

When looking for a place to stay,  comfort, cleanliness and location, as well as budget, are the obvious considerations. I also try to book a locally-run bed and breakfast, hotel or accommodation provider. It’s usually a cosy, homely stay, I support the local economy and I leave a smaller carbon footprint.

Destination Netherlands

The Conscious Hotel chain successfully combines luxury with sustainability and is Green Key Gold certified. These hotels only use LED lights, are powered by renewable resources and the tables in the rooms are made from recycled coffee cup holders.

The Amsterdam Farm Lodge is a new option for a “staycation” if you live in Amsterdam, or as a recommendation for out of town guests. They have 7 spacious apartments (6-8 people each) on the grounds of an urban farming project. No cars, a natural playground, pancake restaurant, and free-roaming farm animals!

Another Green Key Gold certified hotel group is the Mecure Hotel (part of Accor Hotels). It has a strong recycling policy, make an effort to reduce their CO2 emissions and only use local produce.

A few other Amsterdam based sustainable hotels are the Jakarta Hotel, the Element Hotel and the QO.

The Court Garden Hotel in the Hague is the first eco-designed hotel in the Netherlands.  It has a green picking garden and a polderdak (water storage system) and won the GAIA Green Award.

The Gingerbread Huis in Lieren is only an hour’s drive from Amsterdam and a destination in itself.

With 22 locations across the Netherlands, Stayokay Hostels offer a combination of sustainable and low-cost boarding.

The Natuurhuisje offers more than eight thousand cabins and rooms to rent, across Europe.  Its located in beautiful natural environments.  They plant a tree in locations where flora and fauna are damaged, with every booking made.

I also like to use travel providers such as Book it Green and Book Different to help me plan a green and sustainable vacation no matter where I go!

Destination Europe

Looking to travel to another country in Europe?  EDEN (European Destinations of Excellence Network) offers many options and these are only a few suggestions, which I am keen to explore.

Durbuy, Belgium is home to cobbled streets, stone houses, and lush green forests and meadows.

Naturpark Flusslandschaft, Peenatal in Germany, boasts an Ice Age river landscape. The Peene Valley is 10,000 years old and home to white-tailed eagles and beavers.

Tervete Nature Park in Latvia is the largest fairytale park in northern Europe and covers 1200 hectares of forested hills full of stories and magic.

“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do”. – Edward Everett Hale

No matter what our dream vacation looks like or where we travel to, we will inevitably leave a carbon footprint. We even do it at home, going about our regular lives, but I now know I can minimise my carbon footprint by following these top green travel tips:

• Travel to nearby destinations.
• Choose the most carbon-efficient mode of transport.
• Pack light.
• Stay at a locally owned hotel or accommodation.
• Carry own supply of toiletries.
• Use only reusable water bottles.
• Buy local and handmade souvenirs.
• Respect the local culture and support the local economy.

These seemingly small, simple things can make a huge difference. Happy travels!

Photo credit:
Main banner is a composite of images from Freepik, designed by Audrey Coggins
Hotel toiletries image by Pixabay
Other images: Freepik

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