Relocating to the Netherlands and immersing in the culture was a big transformation, and I immediately fell in love with the simple way of life. I thought de Dubbele Fietstassen (a few Dutch words I remember), which means a double bike bag, was the best invention, ever. Travelling light this way allowed me to eliminate my hefty petrol expense and reduce my carbon footprint, simultaneously keeping fit, by cycling across the town.
That lifestyle was a contrasting and welcoming change which brought me much excitement, and I spent my days gleefully cycling the quaint streets, feeling like a child again.
Going food shopping and packing it on a bike felt light and free, and I would ride away on my bike, confident in my cycle lane, knowing that cyclists had priority on the street. I thought the Dutch had the right idea for not only helping to protect the environment but also progressively encouraging and supporting an active green lifestyle.
I was a student who shopped at budget supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, and I quickly learned to do it lightly and efficiently, the Dutch way.
Back in those days, there were no trollies or shopping baskets in Aldi, and no plastic bags. So I shadowed the Dutch by gathering empty cardboard boxes from the isles where I'd place my shopping items.
I would then take the cardboard box of goods and load them up in my bike bags, before racing off like a lunatic in the cycle path.
Cycling as my main mode of transport in the Netherlands, brought out my inner child, and memories of the mischievous kid I was became fresh in my mind. Travelling light on a bike meant that I could go faster and never have to endure painful traffic jams. I was enraptured with the freedom my bike gave me, and it encouraged me to fine-tune my personal belongings.
These bicycle bags were water resistant , and made of durable material, to withstand all weather conditions. They made shopping convenient, and it's a safe way to carry shopping bags.
It was an astounding and triumphant feeling to be able to pack my full grocery shopping in my bike bags. The same amount that I previously packed wastefully in plastic bags in my car boot.
Cycling and minimalism go hand-in-hand with me because it encourages me to take less, plan better, and stick within my limits, without complicating and having unnecessary items on my shopping list.
Is cycling promoted in your country or town, and do you like it as a means of transportation or preferably for recreation only?
I thank you for reading, as this has been an integral part of my minimalism journey:)
This is a contribution to The Minimalist Daily Theme #TravelLightTuesday
All images are mine.
