Amersfoort-based Alisson Simmonds knows all about fair fashion and greener living. She shares her experiences and discoveries on her popular Instagram account and blog A Sustainable Mess. She is always looking for new sustainable addresses. Do you also want to live greener? Especially for you Alisson shares her favorites from Amersfoort
Photo header: Yenis Vega
Visit the local market
Alisson prefers to visit the market every week. Not only because you can buy zero waste there, but also because of the atmosphere. Strolling along the stalls with her husband and daughter, and then having a coffee together is the perfect way for them to start the weekend. Buying products at the market does sometimes require some consideration. Do you choose organic, zero waste or local? Alisson always reassesses what is most important to her at that moment. The choice she makes depends on the product.
Foto: Marisa Elisa
Two other favorites she likes to tip are Het Lokaal and The New Granary. You'll find organic local produce there and can store package-free. Plus, they have lots of vegan options there, which Alisson thinks is a big plus. She likes to enjoy a cup of coffee and lunch there.
Blur your life
Alisson's favorite hangout is concept store Blur. They have a wide range of products that are well thought out. The items are mostly local, have an inspiring story and are sustainable. They are also all carefully chosen and real eye-catchers. You can also go to Blur for a cup of coffee (locally roasted) and a tasty (vegan) lunch, which Alisson loves to do with her family.
Fair fashion and thrift shopping
Because there are already so many beautiful clothes out there, Alisson prefers to shop secondhand. Her favorite Amersfoort addresses are: Kringloop Amersfoort, Secondlifestyle, Vint and Kringloop Red een Kind. The nice thing about second-hand shopping is that she is more likely to buy things that are out of her comfort zone. After all, the clothes are not that expensive. Don't like it? Then you bring it back and someone else can be happy with it. It helps her experiment with different styles.
This is how to find the real gems
Thrift shopping can sometimes be an art. Alisson's secret to picking out the real gems are: bring water and a snack (especially if you're going the vintage shopping route ). Make sure you have an empty head and an open mind. You don't know in advance what you will find. The more definite your idea, the harder it will be to find that one treasure. Be open to everything and trust that you are going to find what is for you and dare to experiment. Try something new or make a crazy combination. It doesn't cost a fortune, so a misbuy isn't so terrible.
Looking for new clothes that are responsibly made? Alisson tips Boetiek033. They sell several sustainable brands. And they don't just have clothes, they also have beautiful goodies and maternity gifts.
Would you like a more sustainable closet? These seven tips from Alisson will help you do just that:
- Choose timeless items.
- Ask yourself if you really need it.
- Does it match what you already have.
- Are you going to wear it often.
- Cherish your clothing and be careful with it. It is made with attention.
- Shop in your own closet first and look at your clothes piece by piece. Set aside what you don't wear much. Alisson then searches these garments on Pinterest to see how to combine it nicely. This is how she gets inspiration for new combinations.
- Pay attention to quality and choose natural materials such as: cotton, linen, bamboo, hemp and other natural fabrics.
Good thing to remember: don't be too hard on yourself when you want to make your closet more sustainable. Such a change takes time.
Madiba
Foto: Jesje Veling Photography
Alisson also enjoys coming to Project House Madiba. You can attend great workshops on sustainability, there are nature classes for children, swap afternoons for children's clothing, they have an extensive clothing bank with children's, women's and men's clothing and organize many more cool activities. According to Alisson, it really is a family place where you can enjoy lunch and dinner. They have several vegan options and cook with local and organic ingredients. You can also enjoy working there.
Vegan food
Because eating out vegan with your family can be quite a challenge, here are Alisson's favorite restaurants in Amersfoort. Bindicafé, the vegan restaurant in Amersfoort with several super tasty dishes. At House of Thailand they have many full-fledged vegan options to choose from, just like at The Streetfoodbar. Alisson she hopes there will be many more restaurants in Amersfoort with a wide choice of vegan food.
Tip: also read the blog 7x Delectable vegan food in Amersfoort
Boating
Alisson likes to get out into nature. Her latest favorite is canoeing through Kantje Boord in Amersfoort. Because, she says, you discover a piece of nature in the city while sailing and see Amersfoort from a different angle. If you go boating with a friend, you have plenty of time to talk, because you are easily two hours busy. Which is very nice in a time where everyone is busy and sometimes you don't speak to each other enough. After a trip on the water you're all caught up again. And it is also quite exciting; will you fall off or not?
