7 sustainable spring outings
Spring is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to wake up from your winter slumber and head out – whether alone or with your (grand)children. At Greenwheels, we’ve got tips for all sorts of cool and sustainable outings. We share them through our newsletter, on Instagram, and also on our blog. Here are seven green excursions for spring:
1 - Sustainable petting zoos
When you think of spring, you think of young animals. About 100 petting zoos in the Netherlands have the label “Sustainable Petting Zoo.” These places have sleeping areas made from FSC-certified wood or bamboo, serve fair-trade coffee, use solar panels, and even have rainwater storage. Here are some tips:
Tip: many sustainable petting zoos also serve as collection points for recycling batteries, small electrical appliances, and used cooking oil.
2 – Tickle your tastebuds
Craving a snack while immersing yourself in culture? The Vegan Food Tour Utrecht lets you discover the tastiest (yes, vegan!) hotspots in the city. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and covers nearly 6 kilometres of walking. You can book it for the weekend, but there are also options for groups of eight or more during the week. Start at Domplein in the heart of the city. Consider taking the most sustainable route there: by train or other public transport.
3 – Slow fashion
The Fashion for Good Museum is anything but ordinary. It’s an interactive space dedicated to the future of fashion. Learn where clothing comes from, how it’s made, and what’s needed to positively transform the industry. You’ll discover all this in an unique way right in the centre of Amsterdam.
4 - Relax, take it easy
Need a moment to unwind? You can do so with one of the planned silent walks organised by Staatsbosbeheer (State Forest Management). This year, these walks will take place on Saturday, 9 March, Saturday, 13 April, and Saturday, 11 May (starting at 10:30 a.m.) in the Schoorlse Duinen. Travel there sustainably by taking the train to Alkmaar and then using a Greenwheels.
5 – For the minis
Even (especially!) children can learn a lot from nature at a young age. And what better way than through play? Go wild with the Kinderstruintocht (Children’s Roaming Tour) around Slot Loevestein (Bommelerwaard) on 1 April. Book our Variant station wagon and bring along extra friends.
6 – High tea
The perfect way to welcome spring? A high tea. Make it more sustainable by opting for a vegetarian or vegan version: most restaurants are happy to accommodate this. Just let them know when making your reservation. Looking for a nice spot? We recommend Aan Zee in Oostvoorne (South Holland) or De Kas van Kaat in Zwolle.
7 – Shopping 'in reverse'
Not the most exciting, but definitely worthwhile: spring cleaning. Take some time to freshen up your home. Do you have items you’re no longer happy with but are still in good condition? Pay a visit to a thrift store or donate your excess belongings to the Weggeefwinkel (Giveaway Shop).
Hybernation is over. Wake up and head out!
Time for something fun! Plan your next trip now.