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 entrepreneurship – is a way to give back to the earth and embrace the future with care. And the great 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 on how to live, cook, and garden more consciously yourself.
Eat what nature provides
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 the same at home by choosing local and seasonal products. Visit the farmers' market, grow herbs on your windowsill, or start a small vegetable garden. Did you know you can also eat from your own garden? Nettles for tea, dandelions for a fresh salad, and zucchini flowers for a unique tempura: nature has more to offer than you might think.
Zero waste in the kitchen
Reducing waste starts with handling ingredients consciously. In our kitchen, we ferment leftover vegetables, make broths from scraps, and dry herbs for later use. Try making your own vinegar from apple cores or using vegetable peels in a tasty soup. Small steps make a big difference.
Create a nature-inclusive garden
At Op Oost and in the Waelde Garden, we work with nature, not against it. You can do the same at home by creating a biodiversity-friendly garden. Think of native flowers for bees and butterflies, a woodpile for hedgehogs and birds, or a rain barrel to collect water. 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 feasible for everyone. Fortunately, there are now excellent alternatives to conventional cleaning products and cosmetics. Take a look at EkoPlaza or De Tuinen, and you’ll find plastic-free packaging and biodegradable cleaning products that leave no traces in nature.
Sustainable interior: conscious choices
Our suites and restaurant are furnished, wherever possible, with recycled and natural materials. You can apply this at home by giving furniture and accessories a second life, for example, through vintage stores or online marketplaces. Choose natural fabrics such as linen or wool and avoid plastic where possible. Small adjustments, such as LED lighting and eco-friendly paint, contribute to a more sustainable home.
Cooking Texel-style: sustainable and mindful
The history of the Rede van Texel shows how the Netherlands has had a circular food culture for centuries. From pickling and preserving to fermenting and using every part of plants and animals – you can rediscover these techniques at home. 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 is not about perfection but about making conscious choices. Maybe you start with your own herb garden, reuse kitchen waste, or transition to seasonal eating. Whatever you choose, every step counts. At Op Oost, we work daily to honor the balance between humans and nature – and we hope our approach inspires you to live a little greener at home too.
Do you already have a sustainable idea that you practice? Or a question about how to 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 not only enjoy nature but also respect it.
Conscious enjoyment, today and tomorrow.