- Intro text: Now that summer is here and temperatures are rising, it is time for cosy barbecues and outdoor picnics. Unfortunately, these fun activities can also create a lot of waste. Fortunately, you can avoid this with these simple tips and still enjoy yourself to the full.
It's the middle of summer: time for cosy barbecues and outdoor picnics. Unfortunately, this can also create a lot of waste. Fortunately, you can simply prevent this and still enjoy yourself to the full.
Smart choices for less waste
It all starts with not using disposable plastic and aluminium foil. Instead, choose reusable cutlery, bamboo plates and cups that you can use over and over again. Visit the thrift shop, for example, for nice second-hand crockery. Or consider reusable napkins and beeswax cloths to cover food.
Convenient shopping
Prefer to buy your food in bulk rather than loosely packed products. You can often buy fresh fruit and vegetables without packaging.
Gft: your free green contribution
What to do with food waste? Collect peelings and other organic waste in a special compostable bag or kitchen bin. Use your environmental card to dispose of this free of charge in your neighbourhood's VGF container or in the VGF container at home. This is how you give natural materials a second life.
Sustainable drinking options
A barbecue naturally includes something to drink. Choose refillable water bottles instead of disposable ones. You can make your own soft drinks with a Sodastream, for example. That way, you won't need plastic bottles.
Make a plan
Think in advance about what you will do with leftover food. Can you save them for another time? Also make sure you tidy up all your waste and separate it properly. A small effort with a big difference for the environment.
Together for a clean planet
A waste-free barbecue or picnic takes some planning, but it is definitely worth it. With these simple tips, you will make a positive contribution to a cleaner planet. This is how we enjoy and care for our environment this summer. Ready to make your bbq waste-free? Join us and make your summer outings a sustainable success.
- Intro text: Is your home waste well organised too? With a few smart steps, you can avoid full bins, unpleasant smells and angry neighbours. So you can leave with peace of mind and come home refreshed.
Stuff packed, plants at the neighbours' and ready to go. But is your home waste well organised? With a few smart steps, you can avoid full bins, unpleasant smells and angry neighbours. So you can leave with peace of mind and come home refreshed.
Still cleaning up?
Holiday fun is the perfect time to tidy up at home too. Take items you no longer need to the recycling centre, the Kringloopplein or a charity shop. This way you can start the holidays fresh and sustainable, because disposing before the holidays means less clutter after the holidays.
Do not leave full waste bins behind
Especially in summer, waste left behind can quickly become smelly. Before leaving, empty all bins in the house, especially the kitchen and garden waste bin. Do not put rubbish bags in the hallway or shed either. This will help you avoid smells or pests when you get home.
Use the right bags
Always put waste in the right bag:
pmd and residual waste: transparent bags and tightly sealed.
GFT: special compostable bags with the OK compost logo or the Kiemplant logo
Do not put loose bags next to the container, we will not take them.
Have your container emptied on time
Check the Waardlanden app or at landlords.co.uk When your container will be emptied. Place your container outside before 7.30am on the collection day and remove it from the street the same day to avoid inconvenience. Please note: do not put it out earlier than necessary.
Ask someone to help
Not at home on collection day? Ask a neighbour or acquaintance to take out your container and - just as importantly - to collect it again. A small effort, great convenience.
That way you leave without any worries and come home refreshed. Happy summer!
For more tips, visit waardlanden.nl/tips
- Intro text: Do you have a holiday and will be taking a break soon? Then this is a great time to relax and do something good for the environment. With a few smart choices, you can also reduce your waste while on holiday. Have a nice summer!
Will you be taking a break soon? To a campsite, cottage, hotel or flat? Then this is a great time to relax and do something good for the environment. With a few smart choices, you can also reduce waste at your holiday destination.
Waste travels with you
What many people forget is that their waste often travels with them unconsciously. Disposable wipes, loose packaging, half shampoo bottles and plastic cutlery seem handy, but on holiday they mostly cause hassle. Not only in the bag, but also at the holiday address.
Waste is generated quickly, is difficult to get rid of - especially on busy campsites or in holiday homes without clear separation of waste - and regularly causes overflowing bins. That is why it is smart to think in advance about what you will and will not take with you.
What can you do?
Opt for less clutter on the go. Leave unnecessary packaging at home and think about what you really need.
Going shopping before departure?
Check what you still have in the house first. This way, you avoid wasting food and avoiding overflowing bins on holiday.
Leave unnecessary packaging at home
It saves space in your luggage, and you avoid having to throw something away every time you travel. A refillable bottle, a lunch box, some containers for leftovers: it makes a big difference.
With children on holiday
Going with children? Make waste separation or tidying fun. Give them their own water bottle or invent a scavenger hunt: who will be the first to find a can, a piece of paper and a plastic cap?
This is already a hit in some regions - litter picking as a holiday activity. Good for the neighbourhood as well as raising awareness.
Separating waste on holiday
Many campsites and holiday parks allow you to separate waste. Check this on arrival. Are there no separate bins? Then use a few bags or containers for paper, organic waste and plastic yourself. Throw it away separately en route or take it home with you. Small effort, big difference.
Every little step helps. So: what will you leave at home this summer? Perhaps exactly what you didn't really need on the road anyway.
- Intro text: Did you know that all electrical appliances (with and without batteries), loose batteries and accumulators should always be returned separately? Help out and deliver your electrical waste, batteries and accumulators separately!
Read more: Electrical waste, battery or accumulator? Do it separately!
- Intro text: Summer is here. Time for sunshine, being outside a lot and enjoying nature. During the holiday season, we often pull out all kinds of summer stuff or buy it new. Find out how to reuse, borrow or buy more consciously to make summer just as fun, but much more sustainable!
Read more: Using summer stuff sustainably: tips for reusing, borrowing and buying
- Intro text: Would you like to separate your fruit, vegetable, garden and food waste (VGF) without having to deal with unpleasant odours? With a few simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and avoid nuisance.
Would you like to separate your fruit, vegetable, garden and food waste (VGF) without having to deal with unpleasant odours? With a few simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and avoid nuisance.
Especially in the hot summer months, the kitchen and garden waste container can start to smell and attract pests such as fruit flies and maggots. This cannot be completely prevented - on a hot day, fly eggs hatch as maggots within hours. Fortunately, you can minimise the nuisance with a few smart tips:
Tip 1: Place a newspaper or straw on the floor
Put a page of old newspaper or some straw on the bottom. This will prevent food particles from sticking. The bin stays cleaner and is easier to clean. The paper or straw absorbs moisture and helps prevent unpleasant odours.
Tip 2: Put the container in the shade
Put your GFT container in the coolest possible place, preferably in the shade. Especially during hot weather. In full sunlight, waste will brew faster. Heat speeds up composting and attracts flies and maggots. By keeping the bin as cool as possible, you reduce the risk of odours and pests.
Tip 3: Keep waste as dry as possible
Moisture is a big culprit when it comes to smells and maggots. Therefore, do not throw wet food scraps or garden waste in the GFT container. Let damp leftovers drain first and freshly cut grass dry for a day before putting it in the container. It also helps to dispose of GFT waste in layers: after a layer of food waste, put a layer of dry material, such as dried grass or dry leaves on top. This keeps the contents drier and gives maggots less chance. Occasionally you can add a handful of sawdust to absorb moisture and reduce foul odours.
Tip 4: Pack food waste properly
Flies love meat, fish and fruit scraps. By packing perishable food scraps properly, you make the container less attractive to pests. Wrap bones, meat and fish waste in a sheet of newspaper before throwing it away. You can also collect your kitchen waste in special compostable VGF waste bags- just make sure you only use the VGF bags with the germplasm logo or OK compost logo. Only these bags are allowed in VGF waste.
Tip 5: Freeze perishable leftovers until collection day
You can also keep meat and fish waste in the freezer until the day of collection. Throw it frozen in the container just before you take it to the street. That way it won't rot and attract pests.
Tip 6: Vent or seal? Choose what fits
A little ventilation helps against smells. Put the lid ajar with a twig, for example. This allows warm air to escape. Do you mainly suffer from flies or maggots? Then it is better to keep the lid tightly closed. There are also special lids with a filter that stop smells but still ventilate.
Tip 7: Clean the container regularly
Even with all these precautions, it is wise to clean your GFT container regularly, especially in the warmer months. Give your GFT container a refreshing rinse every now and then. Use plain water and possibly a little green soap to rinse away all leftovers. Do not use harsh cleaning agents, such as chlorine or insecticides. These are harmful to the environment and interfere with the composting process.
Tip 8: Use natural remedies against pests
Place a few branches of the ivy plant (Hedera) or some fresh lavender in your GFT container. Both plants are toxic to maggots (fly larvae), so they will stay away from your container or die as soon as they come into contact with it. Lavender also helps reduce odours.
Tip 9: Empty before departure
Going on holiday? Then make sure you have your GFT container emptied before you leave. That way you won't come home to a nasty surprise. An empty container is the first step to coming home clean and fresh.
With these simple tips, you can keep your GFT container clean and fresh, without any unpleasant odours. Together, we will take a step towards a waste-free and clean environment.
- Intro text: A coat with a broken zip. A lamp that suddenly stops working. A toaster with kinks. Recognisable? See if you can fix it first! We list a few useful websites for you.
A zip that no longer closes. An electrical appliance that stops working. A button that sticks. Or a loose chair leg. Annoying - but no reason to throw something away straight away. Because did you know that many things simply work again after a small repair?
Often the problem is small. A loose wire. A clogged filter. A part that is easy to replace. By repairing, you extend the life of your stuff. That is good for the environment and for your wallet. You avoid waste, save raw materials and save money. And the great thing is: you don't have to do it alone.
Repairing is easier than you think
There are many useful websites and places where you can get help. Think clear roadmaps, explainer videos or help from others with experience.
We list a few useful websites for you:
Getting started yourself with iFixit
On iFixit.com, you will find thousands of free tutorials with clear pictures. From coffee machines to laptops, you will see step by step how to fix something.
Help and learn from others on JaFix
On JaFix.com/en, you can ask a question or just give tips to others yourself. This way, we help each other to use stuff for longer.
Replace the part, not the device
Do you have a broken part? Retrieved from FixPart.co.uk you will quickly find a replacement part for thousands of appliances. That way, you don't have to get rid of everything, but only what is really broken.
Watch a repair video on YouTube
Search YouTube for the make, model and the word "repair". You will often then find a handy video explaining the process. Useful if you prefer watching to reading - and want to follow it at your own pace.
Visit a repair café
Prefer help from an expert? At a repair café near you, you can have broken items repaired by handy volunteers. Check out waardlanden.nl/repaircafes Where the nearest repair café is.
Small effort, big difference
Whether you repair yourself or get help from a volunteer, every repair counts. You save waste, learn something new and do something good for the world around you. So: does something break? See if you can fix it first. Chances are you can - and that feels good.
- Intro text: Does waste ever get left behind in your container after emptying it? That is a waste of space. Especially wet or compacted waste - such as kitchen and garden waste - can be difficult to empty. With a few simple tips, you can make sure your container does empty completely.
Sometimes waste remains in the container after emptying. This is annoying because it leaves you with less space - just when you need the container again. During emptying, each container is shaken several times so that the waste is well removed. Yet this does not always succeed - for example, if the waste is too tightly pressed and stuck. This can happen with the contents of all types of containers, but with vegetable, fruit and garden waste and food waste (VGF) it is just a little more common. GFT is often wet and sticky. As a result, it sticks to the walls more easily or gets stuck at the bottom. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to prevent this.
With a few simple adjustments, you can ensure that your container is emptied properly.
Tip 1. Build up GFT in layers
Place a page of old newspaper or some straw at the bottom of the GFT container. This will prevent caked-on food residues at the bottom. Then throw kitchen and garden waste loosely on top. Alternate wet food waste with dry material, such as leaves or twigs. This keeps the waste airier and makes it easier to empty.
Tip 2. Drain or dry wet waste
Drain wet food scraps well before throwing them in the bins. This will prevent them from sticking. Even freshly cut grass is often very wet. Do not throw it directly in the organic waste container, but let it dry for a day first. This prevents it from clumping together or getting stuck at the bottom.
Tip 3. Do not press waste
Do not press waste, however tempting it may be to save space. Waste that has not been pushed on comes loose easier when emptied than a compressed mass. This applies not only to your GFT container, but also to your other containers. And always make large materials small so nothing gets stuck.
Tip 4. Unplug waste
Waste gets stuck faster than you think. Especially if it is damp or has been in the bin for a while. So before emptying the bin, gently poke it loose with a stick or shovel. This will prevent any waste from being left behind.
Tip 5. Put the container in a cool and dry place
Heat and humidity make waste stick faster. Therefore, put your GFT container in a shady and cool place if possible. This way, the waste stays drier and comes off easier.
Tip 6. Clean the container regularly
A clean container prevents waste from sticking to the walls. Therefore, clean the container regularly with water and possibly a little green soap. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents such as chlorine, which are harmful to the environment.
Will you help? With a few small actions, you can make a big difference. Together, we will make sure that containers can be emptied properly and your waste is processed neatly.
- Intro text: Did you know that not all glass belongs in the bottle bank? Many people are unsure where to dispose of their glass waste. Especially with broken drinking glasses, vases or teacups. We explain what should and should not go in the bottle bank, and why separating glass properly is so important.
Glass is one of the most recycled materials in the world. But did you know that not all glass can just go in the bottle bank? Many people are unsure about where to put their waste glass. Especially when it comes to broken glasses, vases or teacups. We are happy to explain what does and does not belong in the bottle bank and why separating glass is so important.
Why good separation is important
Glass looks similar, but not everything belongs in the bottle bank. If the wrong type of glass ends up in the bottle bank, it can cause recycling problems. For example, vases and drinking glasses have a different melting temperature than container glass and can interfere with the production of new glass containers. By separating properly, we ensure that glass can be reused more efficiently and contribute to a more sustainable world.
What is allowed in the bottle bank?
The bottle bank is for packaging glass, such as:
- Jam jars
- Pots of vegetables or fruit
- Spaghetti sauce bottles or jars
- Olive oil bottles
- Mayonnaise jars
- Sambal pots
- Spice jars
- Transparent glass cream jars
- Glass yoghurt pots
- Baby food jars made of glass
- Wine bottles
- Beer bottles without deposit
- Liquor bottles (note: no stone jars)
- Bottles of fruit juices, syrup and thick juice (made of glass)
Good to know: Packaging glass should be empty, but does not have to be clean. So you do not need to rinse bottles and jars. Caps and lids can also be left on.
What should not go in the bottle bank?
Not all glass has the same composition. Some types of glass have a different melting temperature and can interfere with recycling. This glass does not belong in the bottle bank:
- Vases and bowls
- Broken drinking glasses, wine glasses and teacups
- Heat-resistant glass, such as oven dishes and tea glasses
- Tableware
- Flat glass, such as a picture frame or pane of glass
- Mirrors
This glass belongs to residual waste, as it cannot be properly recycled at the glass factory.
Mirrors and flat glass
Broken or old mirrors, car windows, window glass and other flat glass are not suitable for the ordinary bottle bank. You can take this type of glass to the environmental street bring. Special containers for recycling flat glass are located there.
If you are in doubt, here's how to make the right choice!
In doubt about whether something should go in the bottle bank? Then ask yourself these questions: Is it packaging glass? Then it is allowed in the bottle bank. Is it not packaging glass and a type of glass other than a mirror or plate glass? Then it belongs in the residual waste.
Every piece of glass in the right place makes a difference. Together, we ensure less waste and a cleaner living environment.
- Intro text: During May Plastic-Free, we give extra thought to our daily choices. Daily shopping is a perfect starting point to produce less waste. By shopping smartly and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. Use these tips to reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping basket.
During May Plastic-Free, we give extra thought to our daily choices. Daily shopping is a perfect starting point to produce less waste. By shopping smartly and consciously, you avoid unnecessary waste and help the environment. Use these tips to reduce the amount of packaging in your shopping basket.
1. Start with a shopping list
A simple list prevents impulse purchases and helps you buy exactly what you need. This not only saves money, but also prevents food and packaging waste. So you buy more consciously and throw away less.
2. Bring your own bags
Plastic bags? Those really are a thing of the past. Make sure you always have a reusable bag with you. In your car, pannier or folded up in your jacket pocket. That way you will never have to buy a plastic bag again.
3. Buy in bulk
You can buy many products with less packaging if you buy them in larger quantities. Think of rice, pasta, nuts or cereals. Larger packs are often cheaper than several small packs. Not only does it save money, but it is also better for the environment.
4. Opt for loose fruit and vegetables
Opt for unpacked fruit and vegetables. Many supermarkets and markets already do this very well. Or use a reusable fruit and vegetable bag.
5. Pay attention to the packaging
When making your purchases, look out for sustainable alternatives. For example, choose products in glass jars with a deposit or reusable boxes. More and more brands are switching to eco-friendly packaging.
6. Plan your meals smartly
Meal planning not only helps you shop more efficiently, but also prevents you from throwing food away. Plan your meals and see what you have left in the house. By planning, you know exactly when you will use which product. This way, you won't have to throw away food as often.
7. Opt for home cooking instead of ready-made meals
Prepacked meals often contain a lot of plastic. By cooking your own with fresh ingredients, you reduce waste and eat healthier. Cook extra and freeze the rest, this is convenient and good for the environment.
8. Buy local
Buy local and support shops or markets that value sustainability. These shops sell products with less packaging. This way, you help the environment and reduce waste.
Every reusable bag, every conscious choice and every meal without plastic counts. Together, we are taking steps towards a plastic-free future.
