At Op Oost, we believe that sustainable enjoyment goes hand in hand with taking responsibility for nature. Not just here on Texel, but everywhere. Our way of working – from nature-inclusive farming to circular business practices – is a way of giving back to the earth and embracing the future with care. And the wonderful thing is: you can do this at home too! In this blog, I'll take you through our sustainable steps and give you practical tips to live, cook and garden more consciously yourself.
Eat what nature gives you
In our restaurant, we cook according to the Served by Nature principle, which means we work with what the season and nature offer us. You can do this at home too by choosing local and seasonal produce. Visit the farmers' market, grow herbs on your windowsill or start a small vegetable garden. Did you know you can eat from your own garden too? Nettles for tea, dandelions for a fresh salad and courgette flowers for a special tempura: nature has more to offer than you think.
Zero waste in the kitchen
Reducing waste starts with being mindful about ingredients. In our kitchen, we ferment leftover vegetables, make stocks from vegetable scraps and dry herbs for later use. Try making your own vinegar from apple cores at home or turning vegetable peelings into a tasty soup. Small steps make a big difference.
Create a nature-inclusive garden
At Op Oost and in the Waelde Tuin, we work with nature, not against it. You can do this at home too by creating a biodiversity-friendly garden. Think native flowers for bees and butterflies, a brush pile for hedgehogs and birds, or a water butt to collect rainwater. Even on a balcony, you can create a mini-ecosystem with climbing plants, bee hotels and herb boxes.
Biodegradable cosmetics and cleaning products
We make our own shower gel and hand soap. That's not for everyone. But fortunately, there are now really good alternatives to regular cleaning products and cosmetics. Have a look around at EkoPlaza or at de Tuinen and you'll find plastic-free packaging and biodegradable cleaning products that leave no trace in nature.
Sustainable interiors: choosing consciously
Our suites and restaurant are furnished with recycled and natural materials wherever possible. You can apply this at home by giving furniture and accessories a second life, for example through vintage shops or online marketplaces. Choose natural fabrics like linen or wool and avoid plastic where possible. Small changes, such as LED lighting and eco-paint, contribute to a more sustainable home.
Cooking the Texel way: sustainable and conscious
The history of the Rede van Texel shows how the Netherlands has had a circular food culture for centuries. From curing and preserving to fermenting and using everything from animal and plant – you can rediscover these techniques at home yourself. Try baking your own sourdough bread, fermenting vegetables or smoking fish on a small barbecue. By embracing traditional methods, you eat more consciously and sustainably.
Your sustainable step
Sustainability isn't about perfection, but about making conscious choices. Perhaps you'll start with your own herb garden, reuse kitchen waste or switch to seasonal eating. Whatever you choose, every step counts. At Op Oost, we work daily to honour the balance between humans and nature – and we hope our approach inspires you to live a little greener at home too.
Do you have a sustainable idea that you're already putting into practice? Or a question about how you can live more consciously at home? Share it with us – we'd love to think along with you!
Let's work together towards a world where we don't just enjoy nature, but respect her too.
Conscious enjoyment, today and tomorrow.