Less tiles, more greenery in the city
We want more greenery and fewer tiles in our city. That way our city stays cooler in summer, there is less flooding because rainwater runs better into the ground and there is more space for plants and animals. That's why we're participating in the NK Tegelwippen and asking you to join us.
What is the NK Tile Wheeling?
The NK Tile Twisting will run from March 21 to October 31, 2025. During this period, we want to replace as many tiles as possible with greenery. We do this as a municipality, but you as a resident can also do this in your yard or on your own property. Please report the number of tiles you have replaced at www.nktegelwippen.nl/tegelstand.
We would like to help your make our city greener. That's why we've listed some helpful tips for you. We are also organizing a number of free actions later this NK that you may want to take advantage of. Below is an overview of tips and actions.
Tiles and sand
The tiles you remove from your yard can be taken away to the Self-haul Depot. You may bring a maximum of 3 bags that you can carry yourself free of charge.
Perhaps there is a layer of sand under your tiles. If this is more than 10 centimeters and you want to grow plants here, you need to remove some of the sand. Also for sand, you may bring 3 bags that you can lift yourself to the Self-haul Depot for free. Please note: you may bring a total of 3 free bags of tiles, soil or sand. So not 3 bags of tiles and 3 bags of sand.
Bees and butterflies
Are you going to pick plants for the spot where you removed tiles? Then choose plants that attract bees and butterflies. Bees are not doing well in the Netherlands and you can increase the bee's habitat by selecting your plants accordingly. Garden centers often indicate which plants are suitable or you can ask the staff.
Advice on your garden
Want advice on how to make your garden greener? Around the start of summer, it is possible to ask for free advice from a Garden Ranger. These are volunteers who can advise you on this. Keep an eye on the website around summer as we will give you more information about this.
Free trees
By the fall we will again organize the free tree campaign. Just like last year, you can then request a free tree for your own garden. Keep an eye on the website for this as well.
Where does the congregation go to work?
If we ask you to green your garden, of course the municipality itself must set a good example. Therefore, just like last year, we too are going to make several places in Zoetermeer greener. Below is an overview of locations:
- Wildenberg: tiles will be wiped and replaced with greenery in a plaza between houses.
- Shopping center Leidsewallen: greening the square in the shopping area
- Dorpsstraat: greenery instead of stones
In 2024, Zoetermeerders and the municipality wiped out over 7200 tiles and put greenery in return. That's about 650 square meters of stone out of our city. A great result, but of course we want to exceed this in 2025. Will you join us?
