The Dutch are busy with many aspects of environmentalism by default. Due to rising sea levels linked with climate change, they have become experts in water and flood plain management. (There are more reasons they have expertise in water, but that’s for another post). The Netherlands, with 17 million people in a country that’s about 1/10th the size of the State of California, suffers from side effects of high-density living, which include air pollution and water pollution. Those picturesque cows also contribute to the problem (NL has the highest count of livestock in Europe and all that pooping and methane release by flatulence has a bigger impact than you’d think!).
But besides all that, are the Dutch environmentally minded? My first answer is YES! They are big recyclers and bicyclers, they have an excellent public transportation system and there are hundreds of government initiatives and local non-profits working on environmental issues–especially in the areas of reducing dependency on fossil fuels and creating climate neutral cities. But can the Dutch party around going green? In other words, do they celebrate Earth Day along with the other billion people worldwide in 192 countries? Not so much.
But that could change this year if Earth Day 2015 the Netherlands has it’s way. This group of native Dutch as well as internationals are organizing a festival to celebrate the earth and the sustainable living movement in The Netherlands. Planned events include: a fair with environmental non-profits, soil and gardening workshops, lectures on the state of our oceans, as well as other topics, organic and fair trade food, musical performances and more. Earth Day The Netherlands Saturday, April 18, 2015 11:00-15:00 Christus Triumfatorkerk Juliana van Stolberglaan 154 2595 CL The Hague More details are forthcoming beginning in March, 2015, but feel free to mark your calendars now! Know of other Earth Day events planned in the Netherlands? Report them here! Want to find Earth Day events planned in other countries? Go to the Earth Day Network site.
The Dutch do have a national day of sustainability, however, called Dag van de Duurzaamheid which falls on October 9th, 2015. Thus a few dates in your calendar to color green and take action for the earth.
kristininholland 
I am dying to know what Duurzaamheid means. It sounds very serious!
Hi Kate, Duurzaamheid means sustainability in a sense of longevity.
Personally I don’t believe in Global warming but I do agree with being responsible to the environment. We all live here, we should all take care of it. My goal is to visit Europe, was hoping to this summer. Would love to visit.