![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam7September2017.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMisty mornings in Amsterdam.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m not the only one to have fallen for Amsterdam\u2019s charms. With a population of only 821,000, Amsterdam receives in excess of 14 million tourists each year \u2013 not including day-trippers. That\u2019s a number that is estimated to be growing at 5% each year, meaning 23 million visitors. Amsterdam hasn\u2019t quite got to the point of Venice or Barcelona, where tourists are being told to \u201cgo home\u201d, but arguably, it\u2019s not that far off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As in other cities in Europe that receive such a large number of visitors compared to their relatively small populations, tensions have been emerging. Tellingly, the tourist board of Amsterdam sees its role as to manage tourism, and the relations between tourists and Amsterdam residents, as opposed to promoting tourism. Measures are being taken to encourage the \u201cright\u201d kind of tourism \u2013 such as longer trips, visitors who are interested in Amsterdam\u2019s culture (as opposed to merely its beer), and to spread tourism around the city as opposed to a few hotspots in the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the numbers, is it responsible to travel to Amsterdam? I believe so. The possibilities to support sustainable and responsible tourism in Amsterdam are there, it all begins with planning ahead and supporting initiatives that are focused on being sustainable. Such as the ones listed in this post!<\/p>\n\n\n\n When Amsterdam\u2019s canals freeze! (From 2012)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amsterdam\u2019s Schiphol Airport is one of the best connected and efficient airports in the world, and is served by most airlines. However, if you\u2019re travelling from within Europe, chances are it\u2019s probably as easy (not to mention greener) to reach Amsterdam by train or road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amsterdam\u2019s Central Station is connected with direct rail services to Brussels, Paris, Koln, Berlin, Dusseldorf (and many other German cities).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As of 2018, Amsterdam will also be directly connected to London by train with Eurostar services \u2013 at the moment you can travel to Amsterdam by train from London but you\u2019ll need to change in Brussels. The direct link to London will provide a more time efficient, cost efficient and environmentally friendly way of reaching Amsterdam from the UK (I wish this had been done 7 years ago!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amsterdam\u2019s famous windmill \u2013 the Brouwerij t\u2019ii \u2013 which is open as a brewery.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some amazing options for eco friendly hotels in Amsterdam. From budget to luxurious you\u2019re bound to find something that suits your taste\/budget as well as being environmentally friendly and socially responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel vs Airbnb<\/em>? There\u2019s no denying that hotels (and even hostels) are expensive in Amsterdam. Visit between March and October and you\u2019ll want to book as far out as possible to get a (semi-decent) deal. Airbnb is a contentious subject in Amsterdam. Like in other cities such as Barcelona, Airbnb has come under criticism from the city and from local residents for causing a breakdown in neighbourhood community (through so many apartments being only rented out to tourists), and also for forcing up property prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re an Airbnb fan I recommend going for a hosted Airbnb option which can be a great way to meet locals who are usually happy to share their favourite spots in the city with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Generator Hostel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Set in the grounds of the Oosterpark (East park) in an old laboratory, the is definitely designed with the flash-packer (or hipster) in mind. The public areas are lovely, including views from the cafe terrace out over the park. The cafe serves good hearty food including plenty of vegetarian \/ vegan options. Rooms are either mini \u2013 dorms (4 per room) or private rooms. When I stayed the rates were as high as 50 euros per night for dorm bed in a mixed room of four, which is pretty steep, even for Amsterdam. On the responsibility front, Generator is all about embracing the local area and helping travellers discover the east of Amsterdam (somewhere the masses do not reach).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel QBIC<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Loved these organic products and their message at the QBIC hotel.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I recently stayed at QBIC\u2019s award winning hotel in London and was seriously impressed. is a little more off the beaten track \u2013 near the world trade centre (wtc) in South Amsterdam. But the location means better prices, fewer tourists, is still within easy reach of the city centre, and is minutes walk from Amsterdam Zuid (south) train station. Rooms are economical, eco friendly, and even have environmentally friendly reminders to turn the efficient rain shower off while you shampoo your hair with their organic products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A \u201csir standard\u201d room at in Amsterdam East. Image c. Volkshotel \/ Mark Groeneveld<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Conscious Hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With three locations across the city, Conscious Hotels are\u2026 as environmentally and socially conscious as they come. is perfect for being in the middle of it all, while is at the southern end of Amsterdam\u2019s largest park \u2013 close to lots of yummy eateries and green space. I stayed at the Vondelpark hotel last year and loved their comfortable, relaxed rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The newest Conscious Hotel, comes complete with solar panels on the roof, an eco friendly patisserie appropriately named \u2018sticky fingers\u2019 and uses Aquifier Thermal Energy Storage \u2013 a fancy name for a revolutionary energy management system that sets the standard for efficiency, making this one of the most green hotels in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n EcoMama Hotel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new kid on the block of eco hotels in Amsterdam, \u201cgreen quirky conscious sleeping\u201d has arrived in Amsterdam. Ecomama is both a hostel and hotel, with seven room types. Ranging from \u201cel cheapo\u201d dorm to double private deluxe rooms. Ecomama is dedicated to eco friendly, conscious living, and the hostel is packed with environmentally friendly initiatives: from natural stone heating, to cradle-to-cradle furniture, efficient water systems and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For every guest night stayed, Eco Mama donates to Ninos de Guatemala NGO in (yes you guessed it) Guatemala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Volkshotel<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sundowners at Canvas at the Image c. Volkshotel \/ Mark Groeneveld.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the east of Amsterdam, in what used to be the headquarters of \u2018De Volkskrant\u2019 newspaper, sits the trendy, arty (but without the hipster price tag). Volkshotel literally means \u201cpeoples\u2019 hotel\u201d and that\u2019s what this place strives to be: somewhere for everyone. Aside from the hotel, Volkshotel is big on social responsibility. It offers open workspaces and a co-working space for entrepreneurs and creative types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of my favourite things about this hotel are its views from rooftop bar and cafe, which even if you don\u2019t stay here is well worth a visit for a sundowner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sunny winter days in Amsterdam.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zoku Amsterdam<\/a> is an original concept that combines hotel\/stay with community and co-working. Their make efficient use of old space by buying up former office buildings to convert (vs building new hotels). Aside from being eco-certified and holding a whole list of environmental certifications for eco friendly accommodation, Zoku is looking to promote a more sustainable way of living. It starts with using space efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re going to be in Amsterdam for longer than a few days and need to do some work, I recommend taking a look at Zoku. Their rooms are loft-style and come complete with kitchen, work desk\/dining table, couch and TV. On the top floor there\u2019s a large open plan lounge, garden area, and dining space for the use of all. Zoku put on events (from business inspired to cooking classes!) regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inspired to travel more sustainably? 2017 is the International Year of Sustainable Tourism!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the stereotypical cheese buying (not that I have anything against cheese, far from it\u2026!) Amsterdam has plenty of options for those who want to see a slightly alternative side to the city, or want to support responsible travel initiatives in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to see Amsterdam.. is from the water. Several meters down, you quite literally get a different perspective of the city. On a sunny day (or even on a non sunny one) there\u2019s not much better than relaxing and and watching the picturesque canal houses and bridges drift by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m not the only one to think so. Canal cruises of Amsterdam are one of the most popular activities to do on a visit, but unfortunately most people pile into the large canal cruisers which play the same recorded \u201cguide\u201d on continuous loop, and separate Amsterdam from visitors through ugly glass panels while pumping a load of diesel into the canals. I\u2019m not a fan of \u2013 let\u2019s say \u2013 the typical canal cruises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fishing for plastic between boats with plastic whale<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fishing for Plastic with Plastic Whale. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more authentic options that actually allow you to experience Amsterdam\u2019s canals, there are a couple of options. My first and favourite, that I tried this summer was with Plastic Whale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I went on a canal trip with a difference \u2013 plastic fishing in Amsterdam with to be specific. This company caught my eye in press written about their mission: to become extinct! Put simply, they fish plastic out of Amsterdam\u2019s canals with the help of tourists \/ companies on team-building days, etc (their boat trips are open to anyone and can be They then use much of the plastic fished out to make more boats (so that they can offer more plastic fishing trips) and have 7 boats already. Today they operate in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and have ambitious plans to spread beyond the Netherlands in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going on a trip with Plastic Whale is a great way to see the best of Amsterdam\u2019s canals \u2013 in local non touristy style \u2013 and do one\u2019s bit for the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to see Amsterdam (from the water)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rent your own (small) Boat. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a fan of boating around and have some experience of boating, an alternative is to hire your own boat. There are an increasing number of companies that offer this such as Mokumboat. <\/a>They also offer the option to rent a larger boat with captain if there\u2019s a bigger group of you. Boats can be picked up at a number of locations throughout Amsterdam. If it\u2019s a sunny warm day, book well ahead! No license is required but the person \u201cdriving\u201d cannot be drinking, and it goes without saying to be considerate of other boaters on the canals (which can get busy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to stretch your legs and get some exercise on the canals you can rent a pedalo! Pedalos are available for hire at the canal cruises jetty opposite the Rijksmuseum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last but not least, I would NOT recommend hiring a boat for yourself on King\u2019s Day \u2013 where there are heightened security measures, strict regulations, and Tours<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the canals and main museums, there are a few other responsible travel related activities. offer walking tours of the city which highlight the impact of climate change on Amsterdam \u2013 a city which is entirely built on water (and below sea level). The tour is a chance to see more of the city while learning about the issues of Amsterdam\u2019s environment, water management and what the city is doing to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit.org offer an in partnership with the Olympic Stadium in the south of the city (Amsterdam hosted the Olympic Games in 1928). Proceeds from the tour go directly towards preserving the stadium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If sustainable shopping is more your thing then definitely take a trip to the . The Library offers people the opportunity to borrow vintage clothing and fashion, instead of buying it. Thereby striving to reduce a number of issues in fashion such as high textile waste from fast fashion throw aways and child labour in fashion. If you\u2019re not staying long enough to Subscribe and borrow, you can buy to support the initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If eco-friendly beauty products are your thing, make time to visit the on the Keizersgracht (or you can shop online). Their beauty products are natural and paraben free, and every sale made supports clean drinking water projects around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wellness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For those in need of some relaxation during their time in Amsterdam, is set amongst beautiful grounds in the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam\u2019s wood, literally) and is a huge complex of saunas, jacuzzis, pools and a spa (there\u2019s a hotel too). Be warned: sauna in the Netherlands means no clothes! If you prefer to keep your swimsuit on, check for which day of the week is \u201cswimsuit day\u201d ? .<\/p>\n\n\n\n To Bike-tour or not to Bike-tour? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See the getting around section below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Amsterdam\u2019s skyline. Image c. Pixabay.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Amsterdam is filled with lovely organic eateries. Here a just a few of my favourite places to grab a bite while supporting a good cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurant Instock. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Set in the east of Amsterdam, just steps from Amsterdam\u2019s famous windmill brewery (Brouwerij t\u2019Ij), <\/a>is Amsterdam\u2019s first zero waste restaurant. Every day they collect surplas food from producers (think odd shaped cucumbers that supermarkets turn down) or food that has a shorter than sellable shelf life, and put it directly into their daily changing menus. The result? Positive use of food that is perfectly good and yummy-tasting but would have been thrown out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Restaurant de Kas. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Also in the east of Amsterdam, is set amongst its own greenhouses and gardens where much of the produce that it serves grows. The menu changes daily, according to what fruits, herbs and vegetables are being grown. Fish and meat are sourced sustainably from local suppliers. Book ahead as this one is popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dignita<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Eat well, do good is Dignita<\/a>\u2018s motto. Apart from serving delicious brunches at their two locations in Amsterdam, Dignita is part of the \u2018Not for Sale\u2019 social enterprise, which is committed to providing professional training to vulnerable individuals and social groups, helping them to integrate into new cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhy the need for Sustainable Travel in Amsterdam?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam10.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTravelling to Amsterdam: Getting There.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to find Eco Hotels in Amsterdam.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Amsterdam-Houses.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Budget:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"QBIC](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Qbic-Hotel3.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Central Locations:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Sr-Standard-Volkshotel-photo-by-Mark-Groeneveld-366414-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Experiencing \u2018non touristy\u2019 Amsterdam:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Canvas-c-Mark-Groeneveld_DSC644514-1024x681.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"eco](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam4.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBest for Longer Stays \/ Digital Nomads:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam9.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam8.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nResponsible travel in Amsterdam: Activities.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sailing Amsterdam\u2019s Canals.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdamheadersept2017.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam1Sept2017.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\ntoo many drunk \u201csailors\u201d<\/del> the canals become blocked with boats!<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam5Septmeber2017.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nTours & Things to do in Amsterdam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhere to eat: Eco friendly and Organic Eats in Amsterdam.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam3.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam12.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"sustainable](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam6.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"responsible](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Amsterdam7.jpg\")
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