In our series, we let real people speak who choose sustainability every day. From small entrepreneurs to conscious consumers – their stories inspire, motivate and show how we can make a positive impact together. Because you don't have to be an eco-perfectionist, but it starts with every small step we take.
I am Wiebe, a 29-year-old nature lover living in Zwolle. In my cozy studio I enjoy the peace and quiet and work happily in my small garden. This garden is my green oasis, where I like to experiment with growing my own vegetables and creating a biodiverse ecosystem. In addition to my work in green maintenance, I have set up my own startup focused on biodiversity and sustainability. Nature is not only a passion for me but also my field of work, and it gives me satisfaction to work on sustainability on a daily basis. I see myself as someone who strives for balance between technology and nature, constantly trying to minimize my impact on the earth.
My love for sustainability and nature is rooted in my childhood, when I grew up in a small, green village. My parents taught me from an early age to treat nature and materials with care. They grew organic vegetables in our garden and spent a lot of time outdoors. Sustainability is therefore in my DNA, it is a value that has accompanied me all my life. For me, sustainability means that we take care of the earth and respect its riches, so that future generations can also enjoy everything that nature has to offer. It gives me satisfaction to know that, by living consciously, I contribute to a better world.
I believe that sustainability starts with daily choices. In my routine, I try to be conscious about everything I consume and use. Sports is an important hobby of mine, and I always look for alternative protein sources that have less impact on the environment, such as plant-based proteins and local products. I also try to avoid plastic by, for example, buying my organic groceries at the market, where I use my own cloth bags. Small adjustments already make a big difference, and it makes me feel good to know that I am doing my part.
In addition to my daily efforts, I am actively involved in my startup, Natur(w)al. We develop biodiversity panels from recycled materials, with the aim of bringing nature back into urban areas. These panels serve as shelters for birds, insects and other animals, thus contributing to biodiversity in the city. I am convinced that urban greening is essential for a healthy future, and I see my work at Natur(w)al as my way of contributing to the world. In addition, I am preparing for an Ironman triathlon, a physical and mental challenge that for me symbolizes perseverance and the harmony between man and nature. This project teaches me to train in a sustainable way, to respect my body and to maintain balance.
Sustainable living doesn’t always come naturally and often comes with challenges. Sometimes sustainable choices are more expensive or require more time and energy. There are times when I wonder if my efforts are making a difference, especially when I’m surrounded by people who don’t share the same values. But I’ve learned to persevere. Every time I fall back into old habits, I remind myself why I chose this path. It helps me to keep my goals in mind and realize that small, conscious steps can have a big impact over time. Being consistent and giving myself space to make mistakes helps me to keep coming back. Now that The Sustainable Superstore is live, it’s become a lot easier for me and others to choose sustainable, plastic-free products, especially with their range of reusable products.
Sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. One of my favorite recipes is a smoothie with spinach, banana, plant-based protein powder, and oats. It’s easy, nutritious, and shows that sustainable choices can be tasty and simple. My advice to others who want to live more sustainably is to start small. Start with a reusable water bottle, avoid plastic bags, and try shopping for organic groceries at your local market. Starting a compost heap is also a good step for those who have a garden. By starting small, you can slowly build a sustainable lifestyle that ultimately has a positive impact on the environment.
My dream is for cities to become greener and more biodiverse, and for people to have more respect and attention for nature. I hope that sustainability will become a natural part of our lives, and that future generations will inherit a world where nature is central. For me, sustainability is not a trend but a lifestyle that I want to continue to follow for the rest of my life. In the future, I want to continue working on projects that bring nature and urban life closer together. I am grateful for places like The Sustainable Superstore that help me make the right choices. This gives me peace of mind, knowing that I am always making the right choice for myself and the planet. I hope that more and more people will find their way to a more sustainable lifestyle and realize that you can make a difference for the world around you with your own daily routine.
