Vlaardingen joins national effort to turn paved gardens into green spaces
Residents across the Netherlands, including Vlaardingen, are swapping tiles for greenery to combat flooding, heat, and biodiversity loss. By removing just a few tiles, you can help create a cooler, healthier, and more sustainable living environment—while competing for the Golden Shovel.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship |
| Location | Nationwide, with local participation in Vlaardingen |
| Registration | Via nk-tegelwippen.nl |
| Benefits | Prevents flooding, cools cities, boosts biodiversity, improves well-being |
| Previous Winner | Vlaardingen (2023, 2024) |
| Local Inspiration | vlaardingen.nl/tegelwippen |
The Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship is a government-backed initiative to promote urban greening and climate resilience. Municipalities like Vlaardingen play a key role in encouraging residents to participate, aligning with national goals for sustainable and livable cities.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship Kicks Off: Every Tile Counts Toward More Green Space
More green space in our streets and gardens is urgently needed. That’s why Vlaardingen is once again participating in the Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship, a nationwide initiative to encourage the replacement of paved surfaces with greenery. Everyone can join in—even if you only have a small (front) garden.
Every tile removed counts! You can easily register the tiles you’ve removed via nk-tegelwippen.nl.
Reducing paved surfaces and increasing green space helps prevent waterlogging during heavy rainfall. It also provides cooling on hot summer days. Moreover, a greener living environment contributes to greater biodiversity and supports a healthier, happier life.
Why remove tiles?
There are many compelling reasons to replace tiles with greenery:
- Dry feet: plants and grass allow rainwater to seep into the ground more effectively, helping to prevent flooding during heavy downpours.
- Cool comfort: greenery cools your garden—and your home—during hot summers.
- Ecological haven: your garden becomes a welcoming spot for birds, bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, and other wildlife.
- Health and happiness: gardening benefits both body and mind. A green environment reduces stress and boosts well-being.
In 2023 and 2024, Vlaardingen won the Golden Shovel at the Dutch National Tile-Removal Championship. We’re certainly proud of that. But the real victory lies in a greener city—and in that sense, the championship is one where everyone wins. Need some inspiration? Check out vlaardingen.nl/tegelwippen.