Rotterdam is our canvas. We live there and show the city to anyone who wants to see it. We love the city and are proud of it. We want to be aware of the impact we have on our environment. To make sure we have a positive impact instead of a harmful impact.
Something that is quite normal in large companies these days, is still a rarity among small companies: a sustainability policy. As a small entrepreneur with a minimal footprint, this may not be necessary, you would think. But founder and owner Ariane still found this strange. Shouldn’t we all take our responsibility, no matter how small or big? Be aware of the impact of our company on the environment. That is why she decided to participate in Tourban, an acceleration program from the European Union to help small entrepreneurs in the tourism industry become more sustainable more quickly. From February 2022, Ariane worked for a year, under the guidance of a mentor, on a new future-proof and sustainable business strategy and on obtaining a Travelife sustainability certificate.
As a well-known African proverb says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Alone you go faster, together you go further and you can make a real impact. That is why Inside Rotterdam prefers to work with partners who think the same way. Partners who also strive to limit the harmful effects of their services and products on society, culture and nature as much as possible. That is why we – where possible – choose partners who:
– are located in and around Rotterdam and who are locally managed.
– use local and seasonal products and services, to limit transport, among other things.
– benefit the local community by hiring staff from the area and ensuring good employment practices.
During all our excursions we choose:
– Transport by bike or on foot, and also for the most environmentally friendly transport option available.
– We respect local customs.
– We do not offer excursions that harm people, wildlife, the environment or natural resources.
– We give preference to excursions and activities that benefit local communities.
– We support local innovative, cultural, circular and sustainable initiatives by visiting them during our tour and through financial support.
Family doctor and street doctor Michelle Tongerloo recently set up the foundation Hoe Kan Ik Je Helpen. Through this demand-driven platform, she raises money to help people in difficult situations who need concrete help. No complicated constructions, but super concrete: warm winter coats for children, a visit to the dentist for a former homeless person or a mini-vacation for a poor family.
Since January 2024, you have been able to donate a small amount to this foundation via the checkout form on our website. 100% of your donation will go to one of the following funds: homelessness, medical care, working poor and undocumented people.
Once a quarter, we will let you know via our newsletter and social media what your donations have been used for and who you have made happy with it.
For more information, see the website of the foundation Hoe kan ik je Helpen?: lekkergeven.nl
Sustainable initiatives that we visit during the tours include:
De DakAkker is a 1000m2 roof farm on top of the Schieblock in Rotterdam. Vegetables, edible flowers and fruit are grown there and bees are kept. De DakAkker is the largest open-air roof farm in the Netherlands and one of the largest in Europe. On the roof of the roof pavilion is the Slimdak. A test site for smart water collection. More information via www.dakakker.nl. De Dakakker is a fixed roof in our Rotterdam Rooftop Tour.
De Floating Farm is the first floating farm in the world. They produce dairy products in the city, close to the consumer. They do this in a sustainable, circular and transparent way with the aim of preventing food loss, reducing food transport and improving food quality. More information via: www.floatingfarm.nl. During the Wild West bike tour we visit the Floating Farm.
In October 2023, we obtained the Travelife Certified sustainability certification.
The Travelife standard covers the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labor relations; and is formally recognized as fully compliant with the UN-supported Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. Inside Rotterdam meets more than 200 criteria relating to a tour operator’s office management, product offering, international business partners and customer information.
For more information, see Travelife.info
