Sustainability
The principles of sustainable living have surrounded me since I was young. In our home, not a crumb of food was wasted, as both of my parents experienced the war, including the hunger winter. Everything was repaired or reused.
The kitchen and bathroom? Never replaced with something new. Hello, 1970s decor ;-)!
My mother was a dressmaker and a craft teacher. From the age of six, I had my own tiny sewing machine to make clothes for my Barbie dolls. I’m writing this while wearing a cardigan that my mother knitted, possibly 30 years ago.
From my father’s side, I inherited a passion for nature and politics. My grandparents lived through the era of the May Day celebrations, the Blue Button (a Dutch initiative to abstain from alcohol), and the Broken Rifle (a symbol of anti-war sentiment in the Netherlands during the 1930s). Walking through the Trade Union Museum in Amsterdam feels almost like being at their home.
My father was already concerned decades ago about issues that are still debated today or hardly discussed. The use of pesticides in the environment, which causes many young birds to die in their nests? Cats sprinting off with whatever fledglings remain? He would get furious about it.
In short, although the word ‘sustainability’ was never mentioned during my childhood, it has been the inspiration for a life dedicated to this cause. Since the mid-1990s, after studying Art History, I have been intensely engaged with this theme. See also the About page.
What Does Sustainable Living Look Like for Me?
Office
Equipped with furniture that, as you might guess, hasn’t been replaced in twenty years – except for the ergonomic office chair.
I make use of computers and related equipment for as long as possible. The desktop I’m currently using is already about six years old.
Printing is almost no longer necessary. I reuse any available paper and recycle paper scraps and cartridges.
Focus Point: Recycling leftover computers and smartphones. They’ve been gathering dust in a corner for years.
Energy
100% of electricity from wind turbines and solar panels located in the Netherlands. Gas compensated with nature projects.
I contribute to balancing the power grid by, for example, running the washing machine during off-peak hours.
My energy consumption is significantly lower than the average for someone in my living situation, even though I work almost entirely from home.
Transportation
I walk or use public transportation. I enjoy biking, but not in Amsterdam. Here in the city, it has become far too busy and dangerous for me to cycle due to all the e-bikes.
Furthermore
I am a flexitarian, and about 95% of my food is organic. The same goes for my cosmetics and cleaning products. Unfortunately, both organic and fair trade options are often still unavailable.
Additionally, I have a strong aversion to shopping, so reducing consumption is easy for me. However, I do love good food: my own Michelin-star restaurant is thriving here ;-)!
Focus Point: Living waste-free. Currently, I’ve reduced waste to two small trash bags per week, mainly thanks to composting vegetable and fruit scraps. But getting this down to zero hasn’t been achieved yet.
Targets
Sustainable renovation of my home and office. Further, improve insulation.