Shopping Small
Have you read This is a Good Guide for a Sustainable Lifestyle by Marieke Eyskoot? I found it super practical, well referenced and a great way to get informed. Reading Marieke’s book reminded me that as consumers we have a choice!
Every time you buy something, you’re saying I like what you’re doing, keep doing it.
For me a simple life is not a bare life. I like our home to have personality and to spoil friends on birthdays, so I’m not about to stop all purchases. But with supermarkets dominating the food supply chain and Amazon everything else I can easily find sustainable alternatives. Business that are more socially, ethically and environmentally in tune and artisans that are creating beautiful useful objects and keeping traditions alive.
Here are a few of my current favourites - do you know others?
Shopping small and local provides a positive social, economic, and environmental impact.
Maastricht
Hae - Audrey is a great cook and the homewares & accessories in store make perfect gifts.
The rest of the Netherlands
Maaike Keramiek - a dutch potter who makes beautiful plant holders and cups any knitter would love to own.
Les Chants de Mamoune - a small family business making beautiful AOP olive oil with a wonderfully mild buttery taste. I love that they are restoring an abandoned olive grove and have kept it chemical free. The oil is available in 3 sizes and the 250ml bottle is so cute - it’s the perfect size for gifting, and the postage is from The Netherlands.