How are Dutch growers contributing to a greener planet?

During On the way to PlanetProof Week from 12 to 18 May, we are putting extra effort into raising awareness. Because every sustainable choice, no matter how small, contributes to a better world.

Dutch growers: frontrunners in energy-efficient growing

Did you know that Dutch fruit and vegetable growers are among the most sustainable in the world? They use smart techniques such as combined heat and power (CHP), which generates electricity and heat at the same time. The CO₂ released in the process comes in handy: plants use it to grow. This way, nothing is wasted.

Some growers go a step further and use geothermal heat to heat their greenhouses. This involves pumping hot water up from deep earth layers and returning it to the earth after use. The result? Half the amount of natural gas used and a considerable CO₂ saving.

Vegetables as climate champions

Why is it smart to choose vegetables more often instead of meat? Simple: vegetable production is much less harmful to the environment. One kilo of beef requires about 15,000 litres of water. One kilo of tomatoes? Just 5 litres. The land and energy consumption is also many times lower with vegetables. This makes plant-based food a powerful weapon against climate change.

Dutch horticulture supplies these sustainable top vegetables all year round - fresh, nutritious and with a minimal ecological footprint.

Legumes: little powerhouses

Legumes - such as lentils, beans and chickpeas - are fantastic meat substitutes. They are packed with protein, iron and B vitamins, just like meat, but without the saturated fat and salt. In addition, they are rich in fibre, which is good for your heart and digestion.

And then there's the environment: the production of pulses causes far fewer emissions and requires less water than meat production. This makes them not only healthy for you, but also for the earth. A win-win on your plate!

Why is there plastic around some fruit and vegetables?

Plastic packaging: you see it a lot, and you might wonder if it's necessary. The answer is nuanced. Packaging - especially foil - significantly extends the shelf life of produce. They protect against dehydration and spoilage, which prevents food waste.

Of course we want to reduce plastic use, but as long as it prevents food waste, it is still the more sustainable choice in some cases. After all, which is worse for the environment: a piece of plastic or a discarded cucumber?

Eating sustainably together

With conscious choices such as vegetables with the On the way to PlanetProof label, eating more legumes and understanding packaging, you contribute to a healthier planet. During On the way to PlanetProof week, we encourage everyone to go the extra mile. Because together we make a difference - plate for plate.