How can we ever live in harmony with the earth if we don't even see or know the nature right outside our front door? It was precisely this thought that inspired Willemien, a mother of three from The Hague, to embark on a sustainable adventure. When her eldest daughter was almost two, she decided to explore the nature in her immediate surroundings with her. And although it was challenging—living in the city, surrounded by hustle and bustle, busy schedules, and screens—it soon provided relaxation and wonderful moments together. This whetted our appetite, and so the seed was planted for her business: Spriet.
Discover nature in the middle of the city
More and more families live in urban areas, where experiencing nature often fades into the background. Children grow up with tablets, smartphones, and televisions, and they appear to be better at recognizing cartoon characters than a tree in the street. Yet, research shows that children who regularly spend time outdoors develop better both physically and mentally, and feel more connected to their surroundings. This connection proves crucial for making sustainable choices later in life.
Willemien saw many parents struggling with this. Time is precious, and young children's attention spans are short. Many existing nature tips weren't always accessible or practical enough for urban families. This presented an opportunity to make experiencing nature not only easier, but also more enjoyable and achievable for families in busy city lives.
The origin of Spriet
Willemien believed so strongly in her idea that after reaching the finals of a business competition, she decided to quit her job. Spriet was born: a company with the mission to make experiencing nature as natural as healthy eating and exercise, and as accessible as starting a movie on an iPad.
With Spriet, she focuses on children and parents who want to discover nature close to home. Spriet's boxes contain simple activities and materials that allow families to playfully experience nature and the seasons in their own neighborhood. Because nature is everywhere—even in an urban environment, there are countless opportunities for wonder and adventure.
A circular approach to experiencing nature
At Spriet, impact is central. They work with a theory of change based on scientific research. It's a circular process: experiencing more nature leads to better mental and physical health, which in turn increases your appreciation of nature, which in turn leads to more sustainable behavior and, in turn, stimulates more nature experiences. This creates a virtuous circle that contributes to a more sustainable future for future generations.
Spriet clearly distinguishes itself through its simplicity and accessibility. The nature activities are designed to be hassle-free, close to home, without having to plan a trip to a nature park. This significantly lowers the barrier for families, making experiencing nature a more common part of everyday life.
Sustainability in every Spriet box
Besides her inspiring mission, Willemien believes it's important that her products are also sustainable and responsible. That's why Spriet works as much as possible with local suppliers who are responsible in their production. Each product is carefully selected: printed materials are made from 100% recycled paper, wooden materials are sourced from 100% FSC-certified wood, and even the additional materials, such as seeds and soil, are organic and compostable.
Spriet also consciously chooses social sustainability by collaborating with Den Haag Werkt, a sheltered workshop where the boxes are carefully packed by people distanced from the labor market. Spriet is also a member of Social Enterprise and has incorporated the Social Enterprise Code of Conduct into its business operations and bylaws.
Spriet at The Sustainable Superstore
At The Sustainable Superstore, we're proud to have Spriet as a partner. With Spriet, Willemien proves that experiencing nature doesn't have to be complicated; it's accessible, fun, and meaningful. Together, we're building a future where sustainability is a given—right from our own doorstep.
Want to explore more nature with your family? Or are you looking for a fun gift? Then discover the Spriet box now and start enjoying nature close to home today!
