Green tips from green entrepreneurs

Several entrepreneurs from Breda are doing their utmost to do business as sustainably as possible. But you too can do your bit to make the world more sustainable. Read below several tips from entrepreneurs on how you can live more sustainably!

Bloesem Vintage

Check the material label for composition: is an item made up largely of polyester or a mix of many different materials? Then it probably won't last as long
First, find a vintage or second-hand alternative of the item on your wishlist.
Don't wash your clothes too often, it will last longer. If you wear more natural materials, you won't need to wash as often, as hanging them out in between is often enough.

When you have run out of clothing, don't throw it away but donate it to a thrift store or sell it on Vinted. That way you will make someone else happy again with your items!

Zeezicht

Make atjar from broccoli, cauliflower or carrot. You can cut the stalk of broccoli and cauliflower or just carrot into small strips and then put them in sour, sugar and turmeric. Delicious with the satay!
Soaking and fermenting. Too many vegetables in the house and want to waste less food? Then ferment or weck some vegetables sometime. You'll find plenty of ways and recipes on Google.
Buy local honey. Actually a no-brainer. Local honey is much tastier, you support locals AND it also seems to help with hay fever.

Be sure of fresh, seasonal produce ánd without plastic? Sign up at a local picking garden

The Green Submarine

Organic plant nutrition: Good plants need good food! With the right nutrition, your plant will stay at its best for as long as possible.
Second-hand watering cans: You need a watering can anyway, so why not a second-hand one?
Radiator hangers: Good humidity is good for yourself and for your plant, a win-win! Fix it with a humidifier, which you can hang from your heater.

Purchase a grow kit for houseplants, that way you can be sure you will grow top plants

Parels

Every month at Parels you can attend several fun, creative and sustainable workshops on how to deal with leftover materials.
In addition, you can get a variety of loaner boxes at Parels. Think tool boxes, children's party boxes, game boxes or even elaborate dinner kits! That way you don't have to buy as many new items yourself!
Parels also has a swap closet where you can swap your own books, plants and cuttings.

All items at Pearls have a story, so also special to give

Downtown Vintage

As a fan of sleek Scandinavian teak furniture, this is the place to be. Here you'll find everything from dressers and chests of drawers to dining room chairs and coffee tables!
If your taste is more African or Oriental art, be sure to stop by as well! Art is regularly sourced from Africa and Asia.
Everything you find at Downtown Vintage is used and gets a second life here!

The collection rotates every week so it's always a surprise what you'll find at Downtown Vintage

Loya

Check the composition of the garment. This is because clothing made of a mono material can be more easily recycled at the end of its useful life; clothing made of a composition of many different materials is often difficult or impossible to recycle.
Another tip: nowadays more sustainable brands work with a QR code on which you can see the journey of your product By scanning this code you get insight into where your garment has been. This not only makes you aware of all the steps it took to get your item here, but also gives you transparency into the factories etc. that contributed to making your item. This allows you to delve even further into how sustainable the item is.
Another tip if you see a brand but aren't sure how sustainable it is, check out the independent platform Good on you. Here you can enter a brand and they will provide information on how sustainable the brand is in terms of human, environmental, animal welfare
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Durable fabrics are not only better for the environment, but also tend to last longer. So you can also enjoy your item much longer. That too is sustainable.

Stilleven

If you have a party that you really want to go all out for, first look carefully in your own cupboards or at friends and family's to see if there are any cheerful dinnerware, vases or candlesticks somewhere. Combine these and you have a festively set table that you didn't have to buy disposable items for.
To make your set table extra special, you can look in your own garden for beautiful flowers or branches for your vases. You can always find something beautiful in winter, too!
And as icing on the cake (literally) baking your own cake with local ingredients makes your party extra special.

Baking your own cake with local ingredients makes your party extra special.

Ins and Outs

Wear pre-loved fashion with love and care! Give your clothing the attention it deserves and if you no longer wear something, donate it or give it a new purpose. These garments still offer others comfort, feel good, and contribute to a better environment by reducing waste.
Live by the motto: Re-duce, Re-use, Re-cycle, Re-peat. By doing so, you contribute to a world where less is produced and more is reused.
Don't be afraid to shop second-hand!

If you buy jeans 2nd hand you will save about 7000 liters of water.

Koffiebar Sowieso

Prepare as many things as possible yourself. It may sound cliché, but the simplest things are often the tastiest and also easy to make yourself. Buy a jar of tahini and make the tastiest hummus, with a packet of self-raising flour the simplest wraps and with a cucumber the most delicious tzatziki.
Eat plant-based food more often. It's another one of those commonplace choices, but one that's good for both yourself and the planet. If you invest in some basic spices, you'll find that your dishes become so much tastier that no one will notice it's vegetable. For example, curry powder, cumin and paprika should not be missing from your kitchen cupboard. You can use them to flavor any dish.
Do you have leftover food? Then give it a second life instead of throwing it away immediately. Leftover vegetables can be used to make delicious soups or wraps, fruit can go straight into your smoothie and bananas into banana bread.