bemoreeco

In our second look at Green City Guides by planet green we have decide that after the looking at the Green London guide, we should sail across the North Sea and take a look at the Amsterdam Green City Guide by Leonora Oppenheim and list our favourite bits.

Most destinations are easily accessed by foot in the compact city. Which is a good thing: Trying to find a parking space is no easy task. Cyclists benefit from the numerous bike lanes and public transportation is efficient and easy to navigate.

Amsterdam is the 5th busiest tourist destination in Europe and these tips will direct you towards the eco-gems. For the most recent green happenings in Amsterdam, scroll through TreeHugger’s Amsterdam Archives.

1. Rent a Bike from Mac Bikes
   Biking is really the quickest and cheapest way to get around this city. There are several reputable bike rental companies, but the distinctive red Mac Bikes are the most well known. Only two things you need to remember: back pedal to brake and always always lock your bike!
2. Take Public Transportation: Travel by Tram
   The city’s GVB tram system is an efficient and comfortable way to see the sites. Buy a strippenkaart from the train station when you arrive and receive discounted fares on multiple rides around the city. Fifteen strips (each ride is at least two strips) are about seven euro. The tickets are valid for the metro and bus as well.
3. Stroll through Amsterdam’s Parks: Vondelpark, Oosterpark, Westerpark, and Sarphatipark
   Biking or walking through one Amsterdam’s thirty or more leafy parks is a real pleasure. The Vondelpark is the biggest park in the city covering 120 acres. 
4. Dine at Organic Restaurant De Kas
   Not too far away from De Hortus you can find De Kas on the east side of town. This celebrated organic restaurant is housed in an old greenhouse saved from demolition by De Kas’s creator and chef Gert Jan Hageman. 
5. Shop for Cheese and More at Noordermarkt, the Local Farmers’ Market
   For self-catering — or to sample some local delicacies — head to the Noordermarkt in the Jordaan district. This is a local farmers’ market with delicious organic food. On Saturday mornings you will see Amsterdammers riding their bikes to the market.
6. Shop at Eco Clothing Store Nukuhiva
   One of Amsterdam’s best shopping streets, the Haarlemmerstraat is home to the city’s only eco boutique:Nukuhiva. Just around the corner from the Noordermarkt, this little store is the place to find your favorite ethical fashion brands including Dutch brand Kuyichi, which uses organic denim, and other hip eco labels such as Edun, Loomstate and Worn Again.
7. Visit an Organic Brewery and Bar: Brouwerij ‘t IJ
   After biking, gardens, food, fashion, and design you might be craving some liquid refreshment. Brouwerij ‘t IJ is a small local microbrewery with an impossible to pronounce name producing delicious organic beer. 

To read teh Full Green City Guide on Amsterdam <click here>

Which city will be our next green stop, come back next week.