When A Teen Goes Green

I think it’s not uncommon this year, I went on a holiday in my own country. Ameland to be specific, a Dutch Island (there are about 6 nearby). A lot of Dutch people will do the same due to the coronavirus, which is one of the few good things about this pandemic, less flights. I think going on a holiday is a good test on minimalism, how much stuff do I think I need in just 7 days? Today I want to show my packing list and evaluate it at the same time.

A Sustainable Holiday

I prefer a holiday nearby, because that’s the most sustainable. And then, taking as little as I can is also sustainable because less weight means less emissions of the car. Going on a holiday in your own country can be so much fun, I have written a post about Ameland already two years ago.

Minimal Packing

Less weight means less emissions, yes. But packing is also a good test on minimalism. How much stuff do I really need in 7 days? Unfortunately, the weather was a bit weird the past week on Ameland. When we arrived it was about 30 degrees Celcius inside our holiday house, but the days after it rained a lot and the temperature dropped. After that again some sun. It was unpredictable! However, I think I still managed to pack everything I need and not too much more. Here’s my packing list:

Entertainment

• 5 books
• A coloring book
• Markers (to color the book)
• A Nintendo Switch
• Ear plugs

Evaluation: Except for the books, I used everything quite a lot. I took 5 books with me, but that was a little too enthusiast. I almost finished 3. Next time, I’ll take 3 with me.

Clothing

• 2 T-shirts
• A shorts
• 2 long jeans
• A shirt with long sleeves and a turtle neck
• A sweater
• A jumpsuit
• Pajamas (one set)
• A bikini
• Enough underwear for a week
• One bra
• All-stars
• Slippers
• A cap
• A vest

Evaluation: Two long jeans was too much, I only wore one. The bikini wasn’t necessary, but I think I would still take it with me next time. There are pools and you just never know. The last thing I didn’t need were my slippers. I think I can do without those too next time. Even when it’s extremely warm, I do often wear all-stars or other sneakers. The slippers can stay home next time. If I am warm, I can just wear no shoes (at home). The sweater I took was a bit unnecessary too, I did wear it but my other clothes weren’t dirty just yet.

Toiletries

• One towel
• One washcloth
• Hair brush
• Toothbrush
• Deodorant
• A small bag of make-up

Evaluation: I used everything! But not everything from the make-up. I think there was one eyeliner I took with me that I didn’t use. That’s fine! I would always take it with me because you just never know when I’d want to wear it.

That’s it! I packed all this in a small suitcase. The one you use for hand baggage. I am happy with how much I took with me. A few items too many, but I didn’t miss a thing.

Yours sincerely,
Romee