Seven places to shop sustainably in Maastricht
Do you love shopping, but want to do it in a sustainable and ethical way? Then Maastricht is the right place for you. For almost everything you need in life, from dresses to furniture and from plants to local produce, you’ll find lots of sustainable options right here. Have a look at these seven places where you can make those purchases without feeling guilty.
De Verwondering
The name chosen for this concept store – De Verwondering ('Be Amazed' in Dutch) – is perfect, as you're sure to be amazed for hours at this place. Spanish fans, coloured ceramic tiles, jigsaws, jewellery, vases, furniture... there’s not much you can’t find in this shop. Whether you are looking for unique accessories to brighten up your living room or a present for a friend, the owners, Dorothy and Pierre, are always happy to advise you. Eager to make the world a better place, they work with suppliers who are committed to sustainability, fairtrade, and beauty as much as they can.
Hoogbrugstraat 21a | Wyck
De Bisschopsmolen
Time, love, and attention are the basic ingredients that go into making the bread and Limburgse vlaai (sweet tart from Limburg) at the bakery and lunchroom De Bisschopsmolen (The Bishop’s Watermill). The local grain used in their products has been specially tested in their own knowledge centre, GrainLabs. They work in partnership with lots of professionals to produce the best grain for our way of living. The company is all about sustainability: it only uses local ingredients that it buys in at fair prices, and it also loves sharing its knowledge. With that in mind, the local Limburgse vlaai, sourdough bread, or fruits of the forest tartlet taste even better! Bake your own Limburgse vlaai or treat yourself in the lunchroom, which overlooks the bakery.
Stenenbrug 3 | Jeker quarter
Gedeelde Weelde
Gedeelde Weelde (Shared Prosperity) is the place to do your sustainable daily shop. Fresh, local, organic, available in bulk, and even plastic-free. This cooperative shop collaborates with more than 30 regional suppliers who sell their seasonal produce at the shop. The distance the produce travels to the shop is as short as possible. The website features the names of all their suppliers, so you can see that the products are truly really locally produced. If you need a break after all that shopping, why not visit the café and order a homemade cake, or eat at the lunch buffet. Vegan options are available.
Petrus Regoutplein 2 | Sphinx quarter
Het Plantenasiel
Has the time come for more greenery at home or have the plants in your living room slowly grown out of control and need a new owner? The Plantenasiel Maastricht (The Plant Shelter) is a great place for plant lovers. Give your plants and cuttings a new home or adopt some plants that have been brought into the shelter by someone else. This foundation wants to encourage sustainability as well as stimulate social contact among the local residents. There’s always someone walking around who can advise you if you don’t have green fingers (yet). It’s a really welcoming place for young and old. Children can adopt a plant for free.
Griend 2 | Just outside the City Centre
Bio Markt
You can buy fresh, organic local products every Thursday afternoon at the Bio Markt (The Organic Market). There’s no wonder that this market has previously been called the tastiest farmers’ market in the Netherlands – it’s a feast for the senses! The smell of freshly baked bread wafts in the air as you walk towards the market, and when you sample the cheeses on the cheese stall, you wish you could buy the whole stand. Your daily intake of vitamins can be purchased at the fruit and vegetable stall. Craving a piece of ethically produced and delicious meat or a veggie burger for dinner? You can get your organic meat at the Blije Big (The Happy Piglet) meat stand, which only sells free-range meat.
Ruiterij | Wyck
Ecolinea
Treat yourself to a new stylish and ethical wardrobe at Ecolinea. This fashion boutique is located right in the heart of the old city and is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified, which means that all their clothes are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They sell clothes made by the brands Rosalie, Lana, and Minu. Each item has been manufactured in Europe from organic, natural, and vegan material. This spacious shop offers you clothes in various styles and colours – you can browse through the timeless collections to your heart’s content. Looking for an outfit for a picnic on the beach or something more formal, you'll get it here. Dressing sustainably and ethically has never been so easy!
Platielstraat 10 | City Centre
Adriaan de Smaakmaker
Add the finishing touch to your dishes by adding these mustards, jams, chutneys, dressings, or vinegars, all made according to traditional recipes by Adriaan at Adriaan de Smaakmaker (Condiments by Adriaan). The fruit in these delicious condiments is all local, and where possible it has been organically produced without using any chemicals. The condiments are made in this shop itself, using these ingredients. Just smelling the jam or chutney cooking on the stove is sure to get your tummy rumbling. Can’t choose between the red currant jelly, truffle mayonnaise, or herb mustard? The friendly owners would be happy to let you try them. Alternatively, you could also just take a really big shopping bag and buy them all!
St. Pieterstraat 36 | Jeker quarter
